Purdue Boilermakers Named Preseason Favorites for 2025-26 Title

UPDATE: The Purdue Boilermakers have officially been confirmed as the **preseason favorites** to win the national championship for the **2025-26 men’s college basketball season**, according to the latest odds from ESPN BET. This marks a historic moment as Purdue enters the season ranked **No. 1** in the preseason Associated Press poll for the first time ever.

Purdue’s odds are currently set at **+850**, making them the consensus frontrunner ahead of other top teams. The Houston Cougars, last season’s runners-up, follow closely as the second-favorites at **+1000**, with Duke at **+1100**, UConn at **+1200**, and Kentucky at **+1500** rounding out the top five.

The Boilermakers’ rise to the top comes after a highly productive offseason, with significant buzz surrounding their talented roster. Key player Braden Smith, a preseason favorite for the Wooden Award, is expected to lead the charge. Smith’s odds stand at **+400**, highlighting his importance to Purdue’s title aspirations.

“There’s been a lot of offseason buzz around Purdue with them bringing three players back and addressing some weaknesses in the portal,” said Patrick Berbert, a Caesars college basketball trader, in a statement to ESPN. He further emphasized, “So, they’ve been the popular team it seems so far.”

The transfer portal has become a pivotal factor in shaping preseason odds, as teams seek to balance talent with continuity and chemistry. Adrian Horton, senior director at ESPN BET, noted, “We need to see it in game action,” as teams with new additions may not perform as expected despite looking strong on paper.

In contrast, Duke opened as the favorite for the **2026 national championship** but has seen its odds lengthen after losing all five starters, including No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, to the NBA Draft. Currently, **8.1%** of bets back Duke at BetMGM, but they account for only **6.4%** of the total money wagered.

Meanwhile, the Cougars have maintained their position as strong contenders, receiving significant public support and attracting **13.6%** of bets at ESPN BET. They are considered the third-largest liability at BetMGM, underscoring their popularity among bettors.

Last year’s national champions, the Florida Gators, enter the new season with improved odds of **+1600**, a significant boost from **+6000** at the start of last season. Although they have attracted moderate action from bettors, bookmakers are closely monitoring potential sleeper teams that could rise to prominence, similar to Florida’s surprising run last season.

“Most years, there is a sleeper team out there that wasn’t expected to do well, and they’ll play really well early on,” Berbert explained. “It’s crucial to spot these teams and not be slow to react, especially in the futures market.”

As the **2025-26 college basketball season** approaches, all eyes will be on Purdue and how they manage the pressures of being the top seed. Fans and bettors alike are eager to see if the Boilermakers can transform their preseason hype into championship glory.

Stay tuned for further updates as the season unfolds and teams begin to clash on the court!