March Madness Favorites: Top 20 Teams Ranked by Odds

Arizona, Duke, and Michigan lead the race for No. 1 seeds, but UConn and Houston are close behind.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The 2025-26 men's college basketball season is nearing its conclusion, with the March Madness tournament just around the corner. As teams jockey for the coveted No. 1 seeds, a handful of powerhouses have emerged as the top favorites based on their odds.

Why it matters

The race for No. 1 seeds is crucial, as these teams will have the best path to the Final Four and national championship. Fans and analysts are closely watching which programs will secure these advantageous positions in the bracket.

The details

Arizona, Duke, and Michigan are currently in control of the No. 1 seed conversation, but UConn and Houston are also firmly in the mix. These teams have separated themselves from the pack with their strong regular season performances and tournament resumes.

  • The 2025-26 men's college basketball season is set to end on Sunday, March 8.
  • The March Madness tournament will begin shortly after the regular season concludes.

The players

Arizona

A perennial college basketball powerhouse that has emerged as a top contender for a No. 1 seed.

Duke

One of the most successful programs in NCAA history, Duke is once again in the hunt for a top seed.

Michigan

The Wolverines have been a consistent force in recent years and are positioned for another deep tournament run.

UConn

A storied program that has returned to national prominence and is pushing for a No. 1 seed.

Houston

The Cougars have been a surprise team this season and are making a late push for a top seed.

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What they’re saying

“This is shaping up to be one of the most competitive No. 1 seed races in recent memory. Any of these teams could make a strong case for a top spot in the bracket.”

— Jim Boeheim, College Basketball Analyst (ESPN)

“We're just focused on taking care of business and letting the chips fall where they may. If we keep winning, the No. 1 seed will take care of itself.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, Arizona (Arizona Daily Star)

What’s next

The final regular season games and conference tournaments will determine which teams secure the coveted No. 1 seeds for the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

The takeaway

The race for No. 1 seeds in the 2026 March Madness tournament is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several powerhouse programs jockeying for position. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see which teams ultimately secure these advantageous spots in the bracket.