Men’s 2027 NCAA Basketball Championship Preview: Odds, Favorites, Predictions

Florida Gators (+525)

The Florida Gators have a solid chance to win their second national championship in three seasons, thanks to an experienced roster loaded with returning talent.

Head coach Todd Golden has retained the core of a team capable of competing with anyone in college basketball, with Florida one of the strongest contenders to win the 2027 NCAA Tournament.

The Gators finished 27-8 overall and 16-2 in SEC play last season, averaging 87.1 points per game while holding opponents to 71.5. They also dominated the glass, averaging 45.1 rebounds per game compared with 30.5 for their opponents, a remarkable 14.7-rebound differential.

The biggest advantage is Florida’s dominant frontcourt. Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, and Rueben Chinyelu headline a formidable group that combines scoring, rebounding, size, and defensive versatility.

The All-SEC Preseason First-Team has been released 👀

The returning Thomas Haugh is named Preseason Player of the Year 👏 pic.twitter.com/puDvzDrSLv

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) October 12, 2026

Haugh returns after emerging as one of the nation’s premier forwards, while Condon averaged 15.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game last season.

Chinyelu adds an imposing interior presence after averaging 10.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, giving the Gators a physical advantage against most opponents.

Florida also brings back key contributors in the backcourt. Boogie Fland should benefit from another offseason in Golden’s system, while sharpshooter Urban Klavzar provides valuable perimeter scoring after averaging 9.6 points per game last season.

Denzel Aberdeen could provide another significant boost if he is cleared to play, having averaged 13.5 points per game at Kentucky last season.

The Gators’ combination of experienced starters, frontcourt depth and defensive strength gives them an excellent foundation for another deep tournament run. Their biggest question is whether the backcourt can consistently create offense and knock down perimeter shots against elite defenses.

However, with so much proven talent returning, Florida has to be considered as a serious threat. At +525, though, I recommend looking elsewhere for a top pick.

Duke Blue Devils (+550)

The Duke Blue Devils enter the 2026–27 season among the favorites to win the national championship, and for good reason. Head coach Jon Scheyer has assembled one of the deepest rosters in college basketball, blending experienced returners, highly touted freshmen, and impact transfers.

Duke finished 35-3 overall and 17-1 in ACC play last season, with 81.6 points per game while allowing just 63.6. The Blue Devils also shot 49.1% from the field and outrebounded opponents by 11 rebounds per game.

The biggest challenge is replacing Cameron Boozer and Isaiah Evans, who entered the NBA Draft after combining for 37.5 points per game. However, Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell should help fill that scoring void.

He averaged 19.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last season and provides an experienced perimeter threat who can create his own shot. Belmont transfer Drew Scharnowski adds further versatility after averaging 10.7 points and six rebounds per game.

Duke also retains a promising core. Center Patrick Ngongba II averaged 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, while Caleb Foster contributed 8.3 points and 2.8 assists. Cayden Boozer averaged 7.7 points and three assists, and Dame Sarr brings additional defensive versatility on the wing.

All four return after playing meaningful roles last season, giving Scheyer a foundation of experience to build around.

PAT IN THE PAINT 🔥🎨

Patrick Ngongba II dropped 28 PTS and 10 REB in @DukeMBB's exhibition win over Kansas 😤 pic.twitter.com/oJH3gYchwa

— ACC Network (@accnetwork) October 25, 2026

The incoming freshman class offers even more reason to be excited. Center Joaquim Boumtje and forward Cameron Williams bring considerable size and potential, strengthening an already talented frontcourt.

With nine newcomers joining the roster, Duke has the personnel to develop a deep rotation capable of competing against elite opponents.

Duke’s biggest question is whether its new-look offense can replace the production of two elite scorers. Nevertheless, the combination of Blackwell’s scoring, Ngongba’s interior presence and Scheyer’s recruiting success makes the Blue Devils a title threat. However, their inability to break through when it matters most in March continues to plague them.

Connecticut Huskies (+1100)

The Connecticut Huskies are worth serious consideration at +1100 to win the 2027 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship after reaching the national title game last season.

Head coach Dan Hurley has established UConn as one of college basketball’s premier programs, and the Huskies finished 2025-26 with a 34-6 record, including a 17-3 mark in the Big East and a trip to the National Championship before falling to Michigan.

They averaged 76.6 points per game while allowing just 65.2, shot 47.2% from the field, and held opponents to 40.3% shooting. UConn also averaged 18.1 assists and five blocks per game, highlighting its ability to create quality scoring opportunities while defending the rim.

The Huskies’ biggest challenge is replacing key contributors Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr., who departed for the NBA, along with Solo Ball, who is expected to miss the 2026–27 season following wrist surgery. Those losses leave UConn needing new players to shoulder a significant share of scoring and rebounding.

Fortunately, UConn retains an exciting backcourt. Braylon Mullins returns after averaging 12 points per game as a freshman, while Silas Demary Jr. contributed 10.1 points and 5.9 assists per game.

Demary’s playmaking and Mullins’ scoring potential give Hurley a strong foundation, particularly if both take another step forward this season.

BRAYLON MULLINS FOR THE WIN 😱

UCONN ELIMINATES DUKE IN THE FINAL SECONDS 👀

(via @MarchMadnessMBB) pic.twitter.com/FJqcyrjUWP

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 29, 2026

UConn has also added depth through the transfer portal. Duke transfer Nik Khamenia and Seton Hall transfer Na’jai Hines are expected to help fill the frontcourt void, while freshman Colben Landrew offers further upside.

Integrating 10 newcomers will take time, but the incoming talent gives Hurley several options as he builds a new rotation.

The main concern is whether UConn can quickly replace its lost frontcourt production and maintain the defensive standard that helped it reach the championship game.

They also have a tough schedule, so their strength of roster will be a concern. That being said, you can make the argument that the Huskies will be battle-tested for March Madness.

With Hurley at the helm and a roster featuring several promising additions, the Huskies have the talent and coaching to make another deep tournament run. At +1100, UConn is an appealing contender for bettors who believe the program can reload rather than rebuild.

1. Arkansas Razorbacks (+1900)

Arkansas is one of my favorite longshot bets to win the 2027 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship at +1900. John Calipari has assembled an incredibly talented roster, headlined by the nation’s top recruiting class and five-star freshman Jordan Smith Jr. He has the potential to become one of the best players in college basketball.

The Razorbacks also bring in Georgia transfer Jeremiah Wilkinson, who averaged 19.4 points per game last season, while Furman transfer Cooper Bowser adds valuable experience in the frontcourt.

The biggest reason for optimism is Calipari’s track record of developing young talent. Arkansas reached the Sweet 16 in each of his first two seasons, including an SEC Tournament championship last year. Returning wing Billy Richmond III (11.2 PPG) provides some continuity, while the incoming freshmen give the Razorbacks tremendous upside.

There are questions about the team’s experience and chemistry, but +1900 offers an appealing price on a roster with legitimate championship potential.

2. Texas Tech Red Raiders (+2000)

Texas Tech is another strong longshot pick at +2000, particularly if the Red Raiders can get their best players healthy and available. Head coach Grant McCasland has guided the program to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 2025.

The most prominent reason to like Texas Tech’s championship upside is JT Toppin, a two-time Consensus All-American who averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game last season before suffering a season-ending ACL injury. His eventual return could completely change the team’s ceiling.

The Red Raiders also bring back sharpshooter Donovan Atwell, who averaged 13.5 points per game and knocked down 130 three-pointers at a remarkable 45.8% clip last season. Darrion Williams also returns after spending last season at NC State, adding another experienced scorer if eligible.

Texas Tech has plenty of new faces, but the combination of Toppin’s interior dominance, Atwell’s shooting, and McCasland’s proven coaching makes this a dangerous team. At +2000, the Red Raiders offer considerable value if their roster comes together.