LAS VEGAS - Marylandian -- March Madness might still be months away, but college basketball bettors are already setting their sights on the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

With powerhouse programs returning key talent and several dark horses emerging, the early outlook for next spring's bracket is loaded with intrigue.

In the new feature Best Bets to Win March Madness in 2026, OddsTrader breaks down the current NCAA Championship odds and highlights which programs offer the most value.

Purdue opens as the betting favorite at +900, while last year's runner-up Houston sits close behind at +1000. Duke and Connecticut round out the top group of contenders, each listed at +1400.

The analysis also shines a spotlight on second-tier programs capable of surprising the field. Defending champion Florida (+1700) remains a threat thanks to head coach Todd Golden's balance on both ends of the floor, while Kentucky (+1800) and Michigan (+1900) could become major factors if their star players stay healthy. BYU, led by incoming freshman phenom AJ Dybantsa, offers long-odds excitement at +2000.

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Garrett Chorpenning, senior writer and analyst for OddsTrader, notes that March Madness futures are "about finding momentum before the rest of the market catches on." Bettors who anticipate early chemistry or breakthrough freshmen can secure stronger value well before conference play begins.

The article further highlights several sleepers, including Kansas (+3000), powered by projected No. 1 NBA Draft pick Darryn Peterson, and Arkansas (+3500), now under John Calipari's leadership. Even UCLA (+3500) earns attention thanks to transfer guard Donovan Dent, who averaged more than 20 points per game last season.

With its data-driven approach, OddsTrader provides bettors with updated college basketball futures, computer picks, and daily insights from the preseason through the Final Four.

For the complete breakdown of early odds and team analysis, visit OddsTrader.