Michigan takes top spot from Arizona in 2026 men's college basketball national title odds

Arizona's first two losses of the season drop them from the top spot as Michigan emerges as the new consensus betting favorite

Feb. 22, 2026 at 5:39am

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After losing two games in a row, Arizona fell from the top spot in the betting odds to win the national title. Michigan is now favored to win the 2026 men's college basketball national championship, thanks to an impressive 11-game winning streak that includes five double-digit wins over top-25 teams. Duke, Houston, and a deep group of contenders including Iowa State, Illinois, and UConn are also in the mix for the title.

Why it matters

The race for the 2026 men's college basketball national championship is wide open, with several top teams jockeying for position. Michigan's rise to the top of the odds reflects their strong play and balance, while Arizona's stumbles raise questions about their ability to close out games against quality competition. The outcome of key matchups between the top contenders in the coming weeks will have major implications for the NCAA Tournament seeding and the national title picture.

The details

Michigan has emerged as the new consensus betting favorite to win the national championship, thanks to an impressive 11-game winning streak that includes five double-digit wins over top-25 teams. Arizona, previously the top-ranked team, has dropped slightly in the odds after suffering its first two losses of the season, including an overtime defeat at home against Texas Tech. Duke, Houston, and a deep group of contenders including Iowa State, Illinois, and UConn are also firmly in the mix for the national title.

  • Michigan has won 11 games in a row since its surprising home loss to Wisconsin on Jan. 10.
  • Arizona suffered its first two losses of the season last week, falling to Kansas and Texas Tech.
  • Selection Sunday is less than a month away, as teams battle for conference titles and strong seeds in the NCAA Tournament.

The players

Michigan Wolverines

The new consensus betting favorite to win the 2026 men's college basketball national championship, thanks to an impressive 11-game winning streak that includes five double-digit wins over top-25 teams.

Arizona Wildcats

The previously top-ranked team in the betting odds, Arizona has dropped slightly after suffering its first two losses of the season, including an overtime defeat at home against Texas Tech.

Duke Blue Devils

The third-ranked team in the national title odds, Duke is cruising through the ACC relatively unscathed thanks in part to the stellar play of Wooden Award favorite Cameron Boozer.

Houston Cougars

The fourth-ranked team in the national title odds, Houston sits tied for the Big 12 conference lead with Arizona, despite a recent road loss to Iowa State.

Iowa State Cyclones

The Cyclones have jumped into the mix for fifth in the national title odds after Monday's win against Houston, and are riding high after back-to-back top-ten wins.

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What they’re saying

“Even after prolific starts, Michigan and Arizona face plenty of strong competition. Duke and Houston also find themselves prominently in the title discussion. A deep and talented group of national title contenders consists of programs who could ascend before the bracket is even unveiled.”

— Scott Phillips, Author

What’s next

Both Michigan and Arizona receive stiff tests from the other two national title favorites this weekend. The Duke Blue Devils battle Michigan in Washington D.C. while Arizona hits the road to face the Houston Cougars in a pivotal Big 12 clash.

The takeaway

The race for the 2026 men's college basketball national championship is wide open, with several top teams jockeying for position. Michigan's rise to the top of the odds reflects their strong play and balance, while Arizona's stumbles raise questions about their ability to close out games against quality competition. The outcome of key matchups between the top contenders in the coming weeks will have major implications for the NCAA Tournament seeding and the national title picture.