NCAA Tournament 2026 national championship odds after early bracket reveal: Michigan sits as frontrunner
CBS Sports
by
Brad Crawford
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The NCAA Tournament 2026 national championship odds highlight Michigan as the frontrunner, with its impressive 25-1 record and dominant defense. The Wolverines' recent surge, including a winning streak of 11 games, positions them strongly in the race for their first title since 1989. Their balanced roster, featuring five starters averaging double figures in scoring, has solidified their status as top contenders.
Other notable teams include Duke, Houston, Arizona, and Florida, each with their own strengths and challenges. Duke's Cameron Boozer is emerging as a key player, while Houston's guard duo of Kingston Flemings and Emanuel Sharp drives the team defensively. Arizona, despite early season setbacks, boasts an impressive non-conference resume and remains a serious contender. Florida, led by Alex Condon, continues to dominate in the SEC with a strong lineup.
The competition is fierce, with each top team bringing unique strengths to the table. Michigan's consistency, Duke's star power, Houston's defensive grit, Arizona's battle-tested experience, and Florida's resurgence make the 2026 tournament highly anticipated. These teams represent the pinnacle of college basketball, offering fans a mix of excitement and unpredictability.
For sports enthusiasts, this marks a thrilling period as March Madness approaches. The stakes are high for each team to prove their championship mettle, making this season one of the most compelling in recent memory.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/21/2026