Houston, with odds of +1100, is optimistic about their championship prospects after star guard Milos Uzan returned from the NBA Draft and they secured a strong recruiting class.

Houston, Purdue, and Duke are co-favorites to win the national title, each with odds set at 11-1 according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

As the 2025-26 college basketball season approaches, five teams are emerging as strong contenders for their first NCAA Tournament title.

Purdue stands out as a top contender with odds of +1200, having reached the title game in 2024 and retaining key players like All-American guard Braden Smith.

Alabama, boasting odds of +3500, has seen a boost in their championship hopes with the surprising return of star guard Labaron Philon.

BYU is being considered a dark horse with odds of +2000, bolstered by the addition of talented recruits like five-star forward AJ Dybantsa.

Auburn is also in the mix with odds of +2500, relying on the development of returning guard Tahaad Pettiford and key transfers to enhance their roster.

Since Baylor's first national championship win in 2021, teams like Kansas, UConn, and Florida have claimed titles, raising the stakes for this upcoming season.