The 2026-27 college basketball season is gearing up to be fiercely competitive, with Duke opening as the favorite to win the 2027 national title. Now, with less than three months until the season starts, Florida has joined them as co-favorites at +600 odds.

Florida, coming off a first-weekend exit in the NCAA Tournament after winning the 2025 national title, boasts a formidable trio of Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh, and Rueben Chinyelu. This strong lineup positions them as one of the toughest teams to beat for the upcoming season.

Why Florida and Duke are Co-Favorites

• Florida is likely to be the preseason top-ranked team, thanks to the return of key players and the potential return of Denzel Aberdeen if a recent court ruling allows.
• Duke remains a favorite due to a mix of returning talent and a stellar recruiting class, including John Blackwell from Wisconsin.

A highly anticipated matchup is set for December 1, when Duke travels to Gainesville for the ACC/SEC Challenge, promising a clash of top-five teams.

Other Contenders

• Illinois emerges as a strong contender, returning four of its top six scorers despite losing Keaton Wagler to the NBA. They are seen as a team capable of making a deep tournament run.
• Conversely, Michigan has seen its odds decrease due to uncertainty surrounding key players Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara, both of whom are likely to enter the NBA Draft.

Longshots to Watch

North Carolina is considered a longshot at +7500 odds. Under new coach Michael Malone, they have recruited a strong transfer class, but their title chances remain uncertain.

As the season approaches, odds are expected to fluctuate, influenced by potential player eligibility changes and transfers. This dynamic landscape adds an exciting layer to the upcoming college basketball season.