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CALLING OUT THE GAME ON AND OFF THE COURT.
Co-Favorites

Duke and Florida Tie for Top Spot in Preseason Poll

The two powerhouses have been named co-favorites by the Associated Press preseason poll, edging out other top contenders.

EPEmilia Patel
Oct 29, 2026 · 2 min read
March Madness — AI illustration — Duke and Florida Open as Co-Favorites to Win March Madness
@editempire

The top four teams in the AP preseason top 25 lead the odds board for national title winner on BetMGM. The rest of the field joins the fun, with season openers starting as early as 3 a.m. and running until midnight.

The news has left me beaming with pride, as Duke and Florida have been tabbed as co-favorites to take home the March Madness title. It's not just their impressive track records or loaded lineups that are making headlines - it's the electrifying prospect of witnessing these two basketball behemoths go head-to-head in a thrilling tournament showdown.

The 2026-27 college basketball season tips off in Rome, Italy, with Notre Dame and Villanova facing off in a unique international opener. The rest of the field joins in the next day, with games starting as early as 3 a.m. And running until midnight.

As expected, the top four teams in the AP preseason top 25 lead the odds board for national title winner on BetMGM: No. 2 Duke (+600), No. 1 Florida (+600), No. 4 Connecticut (11/1), and No. 3 Illinois (12/1). These four teams are the quartet to beat in college basketball, but it's worth noting that plenty of hoops junkies are already tired of mindless box-score graphics cluttering their feeds.

The Culture Brain for College Hoops

I've been following the NCAA men's and women's basketball scene for years, and I still get goosebumps thinking about the electric atmosphere at March Madness. But this year, something feels different - Duke and Florida are co-favorites to win it all, and that's got me wondering if we're in store for a season like no other.

It's going to be a wild ride.

Florida Open Enters March Madness as Co-Favorite to Win Title

The Florida Open is one of the most storied programs in college basketball history, known for their high-powered offense and tenacious defense. They've been a perennial powerhouse, with multiple Final Four appearances under their belt. With their recent recruiting hauls and returning talent, they're looking to make another deep run this season.

Florida Open has a reputation for being one of the most exciting teams to watch, with a roster full of talented players who can score from anywhere on the court. They've got a strong coaching staff in place, led by head coach Mike White, who's known for his ability to get the most out of his players.

The fact that Duke and Florida are co-favorites to win March Madness is a testament to their talent and depth. But it also raises questions about the parity in college basketball this season. With so many top teams vying for the title, it's going to be a battle for supremacy like no other.

Source: Google News

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