The confetti has come down, the nets were cut and it’s time to start looking at the 2026 March Madness tournament.
Monday’s tough-luck losers are now favored to win it all next year, as the Houston Cougars are +900 favorites at BetMGM to win the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Kelvin Sampson’s group could return several starters next season following the 65-63 loss to Florida in the national title contest.
Cougars second-leading scorer Emanuel Sharp is projected to return, per 247 Sports, along with Joseph Tugler and an elite recruiting class.
Guard Milos Uzan is expected to return pro, but should he return to college it would be another boon for a Houston team that will be loaded with talent from top to bottom.
Second on the oddsboard are the Duke Blue Devils, who are expected to lose projected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg to the NBA draft next season.
They did successfully recruit the two sons of former Duke star Carlos Boozer.
ESPN’s No. 3 recruit Cameron Boozer and No. 16 Cayden Boozer should plug in as big pieces to what projects as a strong roster again next season.
2026 March Madness NCAA Tournament odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Houston | +900 |
| Duke | 10/1 |
| Connecticut | 14/1 |
| Auburn | 14/1 |
| Purdue | 18/1 |
| Louisville | 18/1 |
| BYU | 20/1 |
| Kentucky | 20/1 |
| Arkansas | 20/1 |
| Kansas | 20/1 |
| Alabama | 20/1 |
| Florida | 20/1 |
Dan Hurley’s group at UConn is also a major contender despite losing more pieces to the NBA Draft this year.
The Huskies have already landed Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr., while Solo Ball and top recruit Braylon Mulliins will be major contributors to what could be a top-five preseason squad.
An elite coach to go along with some reloaded talent should give UConn a chance come March 2026.
Florida, the defending champion, sits with 20/1 odds, with Final Four MVP Walter Clayton Jr. leaving the program.
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