2026 Men’s NCAA Basketball Championship Betting Preview: Odds, Favorites, Predictions

Michigan Wolverines (+310)

The #1 Wolverines rolled through their first two Midwest Region games, thumping Howard 101-80, and then ran away from Saint Louis 95-72. Michigan used big second halves in both games to pull away from the competition. They’ll face #4 Alabama on Friday night.

We’re off to the Sweet 16! pic.twitter.com/NR5E2jWmbx

— Michigan Men’s Basketball (@umichbball) March 21, 2026

The Wolverines have been getting balanced scoring, with five players deivering 11 points or more against Saint Louis. They’ve also been efficient, shooting 61.5% from the floor, and 47% from three-point land. Yaxel Lendeborg stepped up big against Saint Louis, dropping 25 points. Elliott Cadeau has 16 assists in the first two games.

Michigan has a strong profile to lead the way in the March Madness betting odds. They’re good on both ends of the floor, they’re a great rebounding team, and they had 17 blocks over the first two games.

However, I don’t like how they let Howard and Saint Louis hang around far too long. The competition is going to get better, and that’s why I’m worried about their NCAA Tournament price. A stronger opponent could take full advantage of their early struggles, so I’m not a big fan of backing the Wolverines at these odds.

Arizona Wildcats (+350)

The #1 Wildcats routed Long Island 92-58 in their West Region opener, then beat Utah State 78-66 in the Round of 32. Freshman guard Brayden Burries has been excellent, scoring 18 points in the first game, and adding 16 and nine rebounds in the second. Arizona takes on Arkansas on Thursday night.

Sweet 16 🔜 pic.twitter.com/1F6y8QFe4S

— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) March 23, 2026

The Wildcats had a tougher time with Utah State in the second half, and they were only up by four points with 5:03 left to play. But Burries took over with a couple of big shots. Arizona also used their size to great effect, outrebounding Utah State 52-31. They’ve also held their opponents to 35.5% shooting.

They’ll need that defense against a high-scoring Arkansas team, but I have faith in the Wildcats. Burries and Jaden Bradley are a terrific guard duo, and freshman wing Koa Peat has yet to get going. I think the Wildcats still have fantastic value for their NCAA Tournament winner odds!

Duke Blue Devils (+400)

The #1 Blue Devils avoided embarrassment with a 71-65 win over Siena in their East Region opener. That woke Duke up as they walloped TCU 81-58 in their next game. Potential #1 NBA draft pick Cam Boozer had 22 points and 13 boards in the first game, and added 19 points and 11 rebounds in the second game. Duke plays St. John’s on Friday.

next up‼️ pic.twitter.com/A7KRx9OpnB

— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) March 23, 2026

The Blue Devils underestimated Siena in the first game, and that was the punch in the face they needed. They played much more like the Duke team we saw all season in the second game. Cam’s twin brother, Cayden, has been good so far. The Blue Devils also got Patrick Ngongba II back against TCU from an injury.

However, I’m a little skeptical on Duke’s shooting, particularly from long range. They’re shooting 20.3% from the three-point line, and that can come back to bite a team. Maybe it won’t matter in most games, but that keeps me from taking Duke’s March Madness betting odds. It’s really hard to win without at least competent outside shooting nowadays.

Houston Cougars (+700)

The #2 Cougars have been dominant so far in the South Region. They romped to a 78-47 win over Idaho, and then thrashed Texas A&M 88-57. Houston’s elite defense is showing out, and their three-guard group of Kingston Flemings, Milos Uzan, and Emanuel Sharp are carrying the offense. Houston faces Illinois on Thursday night.

Houston hangs their hat on their defense, and they’ve held their first two opponents to 32% shooting from the floor, and 22.5% from three-point land. The Cougars’ offense has been solid so far, but their calling card is their defense. It also helps that #1 Florida was upset by Iowa, making Houston the favorites in the South Region.

But I have concerns about the offense, especially later in the Tournament. What if two of their three best players have off nights? Can their defense overcome that? That’s my biggest worry when it comes to Houston’s NCAA Tournament championship odds.

Iowa State Cyclones (+1800)

The #2 Cyclones won their first two Midwest Region games, dismissing Tennessee State 108-74, and then they eliminated Kentucky 82-63. Killyan Toure had 25 points to lead the Cyclones against Tennessee State, and Tamin Lipsey poured in 26 against Kentucky. Iowa State takes on Tennessee on Friday.

Their defense has been incredible, as Iowa State forced 16 turnovers in the first game, and 20 in the second. This allows the Cyclones to get out and run. Forward Milan Momcilovic has been picking his spots.

However, Iowa State will be sweating on the fitness of forward Joshua Jefferson, who hurt his ankle against Tennessee State and missed the Kentucky game.

Jefferson averaged 16.4 points and 7.4 boards for the Cyclones, and this could be a considerable injury as we get further down the line. There is god value in Iowa State’s NCAA Tournament odds in this spot, if we see Jefferson back on the floor.