As the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season approaches, all eyes are on the Purdue Boilermakers, who have secured the No. 1 spot in the preseason Associated Press poll for the first time in their history. This ranking comes with immense expectations, as they are also the consensus favorites for the national championship, supported by bookmakers highlighting them with +850 odds at ESPN BET. The Boilermakers’ ascent to the top symbolizes not only their success but a pivotal moment in a year brimming with possibilities.
The Purdue squad didn’t start as the frontrunner for the championship after the previous season’s national championship game in April. However, their offseason activities stirred excitement. With key players returning and addressing previous weaknesses through strategic moves in the transfer portal, the Boilermakers have generated significant buzz around their potential. This optimistic climate has positioned Purdue as a darling among bettors—showing the highest share of national championship handle at both ESPN BET and BetMGM.
Purdue boasts talent that could catalyze their championship ambitions, with standout player Braden Smith, a preseason Wooden Award favorite, at the helm. Berbert, a college basketball trader at Caesars, noted, “There’s been a lot of offseason buzz around Purdue with them bringing three players back and addressing some weaknesses in the portal.” This sentiment echoes the understanding that continuity, combined with new talent, plays a pivotal role in preseason expectations.
The impact of the transfer portal is becoming increasingly pronounced in how teams shape their futures. According to ESPN BET’s senior director, Adrian Horton, balancing new additions with roster continuity is crucial. He mentioned, “You can have a team that did well last season completely re-tooled with new faces, which may look like an upgrade on paper, but we need to see it in game action.” As the landscape of college basketball evolves, teams must adapt to maximize their potential for success.
On the flip side, Duke opened as the preseason favorite for the 2026 national championship but quickly saw their odds stretch after losing all five starters to the NBA draft, including the highly-touted Cooper Flagg. This loss shifted the betting landscape, compelling fans and analysts to reconsider Duke’s chances. With a surprising 8.1% of the bets backing them at BetMGM, the Blue Devils face an uphill battle to reclaim their status.
Meanwhile, the Houston Cougars have secured their place as second favorites, holding steady at +1000 odds. They’ve attracted significant public attention, boasting 13.6% of the bets at ESPN BET, indicating a strong belief in their capability to challenge for top honors this season. Their consistent standing on the odds board exemplifies the importance of maintaining momentum in college basketball.
For the reigning national champions, the Florida Gators, the upcoming campaign presents an opportunity to prove their mettle once again. With improved odds at +1600 compared to a staggering +6000 last season, they have garnered moderate attention from bettors. This shift hints at the potential for a sleeper team emerging, following the same trajectory that propelled Florida to prominence last season.
As the season unfolds, the quest for the championship will undoubtedly be rife with surprises. Berbert commented, “Most years, there is a sleeper team out there that wasn’t expected to do well, and they’ll play really well early on.” The fluidity of college basketball requires sharp observation and quick adaptations in the betting market, particularly in futures betting where dynamics can shift rapidly based on teams exceeding expectations or showcasing unforeseen talent.