Duke, Houston Lead Betting Favorites for 2026 CBB Title Odds, Florida Tied for 12th

The Florida Gators are kings of men's college basketball after Monday's victory over Houston in the national championship game, but next season's early betting odds suggest their reign won't last long.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Duke is the favorite to cut down the nets next season at +1,000 (bet $100 to win $1,000). The Blue Devils are followed by Houston (+1,200), UConn (+1,400), BYU (+1,600), Purdue (+1,800) and St. John's (+1,800).

The Gators check in at +2,500, which is tied for 12th on the list.

Duke reached the Final Four this season and seemed poised to qualify for Monday's national title game when it built a 67-61 lead over Houston heading into the final minute of Saturday's showdown.

However, the Cougars closed on a 9-0 run in that last minute to clinch a shocking victory thanks in large part to their pressure defense that overwhelmed the Blue Devils in the final moments.

It will likely take the program some time to get over the loss, but it can at least take solace knowing it is expected to be excellent again in 2025-26 even if Cooper Flagg heads to the NBA as the likely No. 1 overall pick.

It certainly helps that head coach Jon Scheyer is bringing in the top-rated recruiting class in the country, per 247Sports' composite rankings. That group is headlined by Cameron and Cayden Boozer, who are the sons of former NBA player Carlos Boozer, as well as Shelton Henderson.

But the Cougars aren't far behind the Blue Devils with the No. 2 recruiting class in the country as they look to build momentum from their seventh Final Four in program history.

Unfortunately for Houston, it has been unable to turn any of those Final Four appearances into a national title. It seemed like it finally would Monday with a double-digit lead in the second half against the Gators, but it couldn't close the door on the win.

Perhaps next season will be the year Houston finally cuts down the nets as national champions.

As for Florida, it will surely celebrate its third title in program history throughout the offseason. Next season may not be as promising with Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard and Alijah Martin all leaving and Alex Condon facing an NBA decision, but head coach Todd Golden has found success in the transfer portal before and could look to do so again this offseason.

If he does, those championship odds may change.