College basketball betting: Expert shares best value bets to reach Final Four, win national championship
CBS Sports
by
Jeff Hochman
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
College basketball betting expert Jeff Hochman shares his top "value" bets for teams to reach the Final Four and potentially win the national championship in 2026. Instead of focusing solely on picking a national champion, Hochman suggests targeting multiple teams to make the Final Four, as these wagers offer better odds and quicker payouts after just three wins. By spreading bets across several strong candidates, bettors can increase their chances of success while still aiming for the high payout of a championship win.
Hochman highlights the Florida Gators (+250) as a standout choice due to their dominant performance this season. With a deep frontcourt led by Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu, Florida has won 12 of its last 13 games, showcasing both strength and consistency. Their KenPom ranking in the top six and the addition of transfer Boogie Fland have solidified their backcourt, making them strong contenders for a deep March run.
Another key pick is the UConn Huskies (+400), known for their defensive prowess and coaching expertise under Dan Hurley. Despite recent losses, UConn’s experience and leadership from players like Alex Karaban and Silas Demary Jr. position them well for a deep tournament run. However, Hochman notes concerns about their free-throw shooting, which could be a critical factor against stronger opponents.
The Kansas Jayhawks (+550) are also highlighted as a high-value bet due to their elite defensive efficiency and senior-heavy lineup. While the health of star freshman Darryn Peterson remains a question mark, the team’s recent eight-game winning streak under Bill Self suggests they are peaking at the right time. Hochman sees this as an opportunity to capitalize on relatively low odds for a coaching legend
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/19/2026