by Wayne Root
Thursday, Dec 04, 2025How to Bet on College Basketball
Placing bets on college basketball may seem straightforward, but achieving consistent success involves several crucial steps. The first task is determining the best bet to make. At Wayne Root Sports, I conduct extensive research on teams and players, analyze statistics, preview games, and make predictions, so you can focus on your money management—your most vital tool for success.
Focus on Select Conferences
Concentrating on a few conferences you know well can enhance your understanding of individual teams and their performance from game to game.
Consider Underdogs
Betting on underdogs can be a strategic choice, as a single victory can be as rewarding as multiple wins on favorites. This approach is essential for effective bankroll management.
College Basketball Futures Betting
Similar to other sports, college basketball futures allow bettors to wager on a variety of outcomes. You can bet on things like which team will win the national championship, individual award recipients, or if a specific team will qualify for the March tournament.
Popular college basketball futures include:
**National Champion:**
Predict which team will win the national championship for the season.
**Conference Winners:**
Bet on the team you believe will win their conference.
**Player of the Year:**
Wager on who will be named Naismith Men's Player of the Year at season's end.
**Win Totals:**
Bet on whether a certain team will win more than a specific number of games in a season (e.g., over 25.5 wins for Wisconsin).
**Tournament Qualification:**
Bet on a team expected to secure a spot in March's college basketball tournament.
Here are the top teams with the shortest odds to win the 2026 national title: As of mid-November
- Purdue (+950)
- Houston (+1000)
- Kentucky (+1800)
- Connecticut (+1300)
- Duke (+1400)
- Michigan (+1400)
- St. John's (+1600)
- BYU (+1700)
- Florida (+1900)
College Basketball Live Betting
While most bettors place their wagers before games, many sports betting apps offer live betting options. This allows you to bet on a game while it is in progress. For instance, if the Michigan Wolverines start slow against the Indiana Hoosiers, a bettor might use an app to place a wager believing the Wolverines can still pull off a win, despite trailing.
Live betting odds—like spread, money line, total points, "next team to score," and halftime markets—are continually updated throughout the game, giving bettors the chance to capitalize on changing circumstances.
Conclusion
Lastly, the importance of effective money management cannot be overstated. Aim to maintain your money management strategy for at least two weeks to navigate both winning and losing streaks effectively.
