The March Is On: 5 Teams Most Likely to Win It All

Selection Sunday is in the books, and a field of college basketball hopefuls have their path to a potential national championship in place. Ahead of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, here are the teams most likely to cut down the nets in Indianapolis. 

Duke Blue Devils (+325) 

Duke enters the tournament as its top overall seed after suffering just two defeats all season. The Blue Devils are led by a top prospect in Cameron Boozer, and appear to be in form at just the right time. 

Since losing to UNC in Chapel Hill in mid-February, the Blue Devils have reeled off 11 straight wins by an average margin of 18.3, including bouncing back against the Tar Heels and beating the then-No. 1-ranked Michigan Wolverines. 

Michigan Wolverines (+350) 

A classic contender that ranks in the top 10 both offensively and defensively, the Michigan Wolverines are as well-rounded a team as any among top seeds.  

While losses to Wisconsin and Duke are perfectly reasonable, Sunday's loss to Purdue does speak to one concern. The Boilermakers took 22 free throws to the Wolverines' six, and that's a disparity that has been consistent all year. In the small margins of high-stakes hoops, a lack of easy, slowed production could cost them. 

Arizona Wildcats (+400) 

Like the Wolverines, the Arizona Wildcats enter the tournament as a supremely balanced squad capable of winning on either end. The basketball version of an SEC football defense, Arizona spent the season beating up on overmatched Big 12 opponents with its deep, physical frontcourt.  

Plus, it has already proved its big-game bona fides, with wins over the Florida Gators and UConn Huskies, as well as a double over the Houston Cougars -- including the Big 12 Tournament final. 

Florida Gators (+700) 

The defending national champions have a legitimate shot at a second title defense this century, after the heroics of the Al Horford-Joakim Noah teams of 20 years ago.  

With wins in 12 of their final 13 games, the Gators are headed into the tourney hot. They have, however, faltered in nearly every big matchup this season with losses against Arizona, Duke, and UConn, plus a blowout defeat at the hands of Vandy in the SEC Tournament semifinal. 

Houston Cougars (+1000) 

The nation's preeminent hellacious defense is back and looking to harass its way to a national title after falling short in last year's championship game. The Cougars have a trio of starters from last year's team, with the standard of defense one expects from Houston in place.  

It also has a supercharged wrinkle in the form of dynamo guard Kingston Flemings. The freshman led his team in points (16.4) and assists (5.3) per game while shooting 47/39/84, and gives the Cougars a dangerous scoring outlet in addition to their elite defense. 

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Odds as of March 16, 2026.