Gonzaga is the consensus favorite to win this year's national championship for college basketball.
At 6-1, the Zags are the favorite and have the best odds at Caesars Sportsbooks. Next are UCLA, Michigan, Villanova, and UCLA at 12-1, then Texas, Purdue, and Kentucky at 14-1.
Gonzaga joins UNLV, North Carolina and Kentucky as the only preseason No. 1 teams. In consecutive years, the Associated Press poll ranked Gonzaga No. 1 Since Duke's 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, the Zags have been preseason national champion favorites for consecutive seasons.
Odds to Win National Title Odds Gonzaga 6-1 Michigan 12--1 UCLA 12--1 Villanova 12--1 Kentucky 14-1 Purdue 15-1 Texas 14-1 Duke 16-1 Kansas 16-1 -- Caesars Sportsbook
Gonzaga has returned 42% of its scoring from the last season's squad that lost to Baylor in a national championship game. Coach Mark Few's squad has a new leader in Drew Timme, who also included freshman Chet Holmgren. The Class of 2021 ESPN 100 has the No. 1 overall prospect.
Tuesday is the start of college basketball season. Highlighted by a doubleheader at Champions Classic, Mike Krzyzewski could be retiring as Duke coach. In the second game, Kentucky is a one-point favorite over the Blue Devils. In the first game, Kansas is a 4.5 point favorite over Michigan State.
At Caesars Sportsbook, Duke is 16-1 to win national championship. Michigan State is at 30-1
Gonzaga hosts Dixie State on Tuesday to open its season. After being cited in the offseason for driving under the influence, few will coach against Dixie State.
