Steve Starr
- BetOnline, Bovada, and BetUS all have odds on the 2021 NCAA March Madness Tournament
- Oddsmakers favor the Gonzaga Bulldogs to win the college basketball national championship
- Michigan, Illinois, and Baylor are No. 1 seeds in their respective regions
The NCAA men’s basketball tournament is poised for a glorious return after the global pandemic caused the tournament to go on a one-year hiatus.
The first two rounds will unfold on Friday through Monday in the state of Indiana and all matchups after the second round will be played in Indianapolis. The Final Four is set to begin on April 3, with the title game being played April 5 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
With the 68-team field now set, let’s look at the updated national championship odds. And make sure to refer to our Ultimate March Madness Betting Strategy Guide if you need any tips or advice.
2021 College Basketball National Championship Odds
 |  |  |
|
| Gonzaga | +190 | +220 | +200 |
| Baylor | +575 | +600 | +450 |
| Illinois | +600 | +700 | +650 |
| Michigan | +650 | +700 | +600 |
| Houston | +1600 | +2500 | +1400 |
| Iowa | +1600 | +2000 | +1700 |
| Alabama | +2200 | +2200 | +2200 |
| Ohio State | +2500 | +2200 | +2500 |
| Florida State | +3300 | +4000 | +3000 |
| Texas | +3300 | +4000 | +3300 |
| Virginia | +3300 | +4000 | +3300 |
| West Virginia | +3300 | +4000 | +3000 |
| Connecticut | +4000 | +5000 | +3300 |
| Kansas | +4000 | +4000 | +4000 |
| Oklahoma State | +4000 | +3300 | +4000 |
| Texas Tech | +4000 | +6000 | +4000 |
| Arkansas | +5000 | +5000 | +4600 |
| Purdue | +5000 | +7500 | +5000 |
| Tennessee | +5500 | +5000 | +5000 |
| Creighton | +6600 | +7500 | +5500 |
Gonzaga Bulldogs lead the pack
A March Madness Cinderella in the 2000s and early 2010s, Gonzaga (+190) is now the No. 1 overall seed and favorite in the NCAA Tournament. The 26-0 Bulldogs are attempting to become the first team since the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers to go unbeaten and have a clear path in the West Region, having already defeated the second (Iowa), third (Kansas) and fourth-seeded (Virginia) squads.
Baylor (+575) claimed the school’s first-ever No. 1 seed, but was upset in the Big 12 tournament semifinals by Oklahoma State (+4000) and haven’t been quite as dominant after returning from a three-week COVID-19 pause. Still, the Bears are an offensive juggernaut (averaging 84.4 points per game) and No. 2 Ohio State (+2500) will face much stiffer competition than they will in the South region.
The 2021 NCAA March Madness bracket! 🤩
👉 https://t.co/nAP17gxdzh#MarchMadness #FinalFour pic.twitter.com/dVLtDl5SgB
— NCAA Final Four (@FinalFour) March 14, 2021
Unranked in the preseason AP poll, Michigan (+650) was awarded the No. 1 seed in the East region after winning the Big Ten regular-season title. However, the Wolverines lost senior wing Isaiah Livers to a foot injury and looked offensively out-of-sorts in their Big Ten semifinals loss to Ohio State.
Winners of seven straight and 14 of their last 15, Illinois (+600) is the No. 1 seed in the Midwest region. The Fighting Illini are oozing talent, with national Player of the Year contender Ayo Dosunmu and 7-foot, 285-pound Kofi Cockburn, but keep in mind that their coach, Brad Underwood, has never been to a Final Four – and only two of the last 11 title-winning coaches won a championship on their first trip.
Longshots and Cinderellas
Known as football schools, both No. 2 Alabama (+2200) and No. 8 LSU (+8000) could make deep runs if the brackets break their way. Strong guard play is essential in March and No. 4 Oklahoma State (+4000) might have the best one in the country in freshman Cade Cunningham, who will likely be the first pick in the 2021 NBA draft.
Finally, the ACC champs in Georgia Tech (+6600) enter the tournament with eight straight victories and have a strong defensive club with an experienced core of seniors.
National Championship Pick: Illinois (+700 at Bovada)
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
