Purdue Favored as Top Contender for Basketball Season
Purdue has emerged as the leading contender for the upcoming men’s college basketball season. For the first time, the Boilermakers are ranked No. 1 in the preseason Associated Press poll. Expectations surrounding the team are soaring as they are favored to win the national championship.
Purdue’s Championship Odds
The Boilermakers are currently the consensus favorites, boasting +850 odds at ESPN BET. Following them are last season’s runners-up, the Houston Cougars, with +1000 odds. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders:
- Purdue Boilermakers: +850
- Houston Cougars: +1000
- Duke Blue Devils: +1100
- UConn Huskies: +1200
- Kentucky Wildcats: +1500
Factors Contributing to Purdue’s Favoritism
Despite not opening as favorites after the national championship game in April, Purdue’s offseason gains have shifted perceptions. The return of three key players and the addition of new talent have significantly boosted their prospects. One standout is Braden Smith, a Wooden Award preseason favorite, with +400 odds.
According to Caesars college basketball trader Patrick Berbert, “There’s been a lot of offseason buzz around Purdue.” He noted that addressing weaknesses through the transfer portal contributed to the team’s rising popularity.
Comparative Analysis of Other Contenders
While Duke opened as the favorite for the 2026 national championship, their odds have lengthened after losing all five starters, including top NBA draft pick Cooper Flagg. Currently, 8.1% of bets are placed on Duke at BetMGM, with only 6.4% of the money backing them.
Houston, maintaining the second-best odds, has received substantial public support. The Cougars attracted 13.6% of bets at ESPN BET, ranking as the third-largest liability for BetMGM.
Defending Champions and Potential Sleepers
Last season’s champions, the Florida Gators, begin the 2025-26 season with improved odds of +1600. This reflects a significant change from their +6000 odds going into the last season. While the Gators have attracted moderate action from bettors, bookmakers remain vigilant for any underdog teams that may surprise this season.
As observed by Berbert, early performances can reveal sleeper teams. Identifying such teams can be pivotal for bookmakers adjusting their futures market strategies.
In summary, Purdue’s rising status as the top contender for the upcoming basketball season is backed by a combination of returning talent and strategic offseason moves. The upcoming season promises excitement, with many teams looking to challenge the Boilermakers’ dominance.
