The college basketball season is starting today, November 3! For many, it takes time for fans to get acclimated to the college basketball season. In about a month, more fans will shift focus from football to basketball.
With that said, there’s plenty of value on the board early on. In college basketball, anything can happen. That’s why we all have grown to love March Madness.
No matter what happens in the next few weeks, try not to panic. Teams that click by January are usually the ones that go far. These non-conference games don’t mean too much.
Anyway, let’s take a look at the March Madness odds for the 2025-26 season. I’ll give out some best bets below.
Live NCAA Tournament Odds
Take a look at the top teams to win the NCAA Championship at the top sportsbooks. These odds will change a lot throughout the season. In addition, preseason favorites aren’t always the best options, so keep an eye on these ever-changing odds before you place your bets.
March Madness Best Bets
On paper, the favorites look like the best bets. Some of them are. But I’ve also added a sleeper team that could surprise some people throughout the season.
Purdue Boilermakers (+800)
The Purdue Boilermakers are bringing back multiple key players from last season, including Braden Smith, the Wooen Award preseason favorite.
The expectation is that this team will have many great shooters, including Smith. But Smith doesn’t have to be the main guy on offense every game. He can chase the assists record and allow other guys to hit shots for Purdue. That’ll help take some pressure off his shoulders since the team has so many high expectations.
In addition, there’s no team with a more encouraging trio than Branden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and Trey Kaufman-Renn. All three players have a chance to be All-Americans and First-Time Big Ten players.
Plus, Purdue will face challenges on its non-conference slate. A couple of losses won’t destroy them. It’ll make them better. They’re veteran-led, with players who have played for Purdue. That’s rare!
Houston Cougars (+1000)
The Houston Cougars were so close last season. But Kelvin Sampson and his squad just couldn’t get the job done. Still, you best believe they’ll be back in the mix this season.
Houston might be the nation’s most complete team with Miles Uzan returning. Now, there are some differences between last year’s team and this year’s squad. J’Wan Roberts and LJ Cryer are no longer around. Some other big defensive pieces aren’t returning, either. But Houston has always done a great job of replacing talent and developing talent.
Expect that from Houston, especially with Emanuel Sharp, who could be one of the best three-and-d players in the nation.
Louisville (+2500)
Louisville’s roster gives Pat Kelsey a lot of flexibility. This team couldn’t catch a break last season due to injuries, but Louisville is hoping that won’t be the case this year. The projected starters should consist of four seniors and a freshman guard, Mikel Brown Jr. That’s pretty elite stuff. They’re putting an uber-talented guard with a bunch of seniors who can help him grow on the court.
The Cardinals did a great job in the transfer portal this year and have depth. They noticed they needed it after all the injuries last season. Louisville is dangerous this year.
Get Your Futures In Now!
The season is starting today! Make sure you get your futures bets in now. If a team you like starts the season red-hot, the odds you see now won’t be there when you go and try to place the bet later on.
Like any new season, it’s a wide-open race. But teams built like Purdue, Louisville, and Houston look great on paper. Attack those numbers before their first games! You can find these current odds at BetOnline, one of our partners. They’re one of the best offshore sportsbooks in the game.
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
