Kansas leads preseason championship odds

The UConn Huskies are currently preparing to defend their title. It feels like just yesterday they achieved victory over the San Diego State Aztecs to claim their first national championship since 2014. Today, the first USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll for the 2024 season has been released.

The Kansas Jayhawks enter the season as the number one team in the Coaches Poll, receiving 23 out of the possible 32 first-place votes. The reigning champion Huskies are ranked fifth. But how do these rankings align with the Vegas odds for the 2024 champions?

Early look: Top 25 outlooks: Inside look at every team in men’s college basketball preseason rankings

Who are the Favorites in Men’s NCAA Basketball?

Best odds per BETMGM:

• Kansas +1000

• Duke +1300

• Purdue +1400

• Kentucky +1600

• Michigan State +1600

• UConn +2000

• Arizona +2000

• Marquette +2000

• Miami (FL) +2000

• Houston +2200

According to BetMGM, the favorites (+1000) to win the 2024 championship are the Kansas Jayhawks, consistent with the coaches’ poll. However, Kansas initially had +2200 odds. UConn was the early betting favorite, but the polls have now shifted the attention towards the Jayhawks.

Although Purdue ranks second in the poll, they are given the third-best championship odds behind Duke. Purdue has consistently let down in the NCAA tournament, including a shocking loss to Fairleigh Dickinson in the Round of 64 last season, making them only the second No. 1 seed to lose in the first round in tournament history.

Michigan State and UConn round out the top five teams in the poll. They both have odds of +1600 and +2000 respectively to win the championship. The only other team in the top mix is the Kentucky Wildcats, who begin the season ranked 16th by the coaches.

Do preseason rankings have an impact on winning championships?

Approximately one in six preseason No. 1 teams end up winning the national championship. Over the past 37 full seasons (excluding 2020), six teams have emerged as champions. However, one team failed to secure a tournament bid.

Something to prove: Five snubs from the USA TODAY Sports men’s college basketball preseason poll

Reference