The NCAA Tournament is down to the Sweet 16, and the path to the national title is starting to take shape. With fewer teams left, now is a great time to attack the futures market and find value before the odds tighten even more.
This article highlights four futures bets worth targeting. One leans into a conference with multiple contenders still alive, another backs a coach with a proven track record in March, while a highly touted team looks ready to meet expectations. The final pick targets a balanced squad with all the tools to make a championship run.
All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change. DraftKings does not sponsor this content.
Big Ten +150 to Win National Championship
The Big Ten looks like a strong bet to win the national title with legit contenders spread across every region. With contenders spread across multiple regions — including Michigan State, Michigan, Purdue, and Illinois — the Big Ten has serious depth heading into the Sweet 16.
The Big Ten already racked up double-digit wins in the opening rounds and has shown it can handle top competition. Michigan brings elite balance, while Michigan State has that March pedigree.
With multiple paths to the Final Four — and even a chance at multiple teams making it — the Big Ten is in a great position to bring home the championship.
Michigan State +475 to Win East Region
The East Region is loaded with big names, but Michigan State stands out because of Tom Izzo — and in March, that matters. Izzo is one of the most trusted coaches in tournament history, with a 60+ win NCAA Tournament record, eight Final Four appearances and a reputation for getting his teams to peak at the right time. “Mr. March” isn’t just a nickname — it’s earned.
This Spartans team fits his identity perfectly. They’re tough, physical and elite on the glass, limiting second-chance points better than anyone in the country. That’s a major edge against teams like UConn and Duke.
Add in their size, defensive discipline and late-season momentum, and this looks like a classic Izzo run. When the stage gets bigger, his teams usually do too — and that makes Michigan State a strong pick to win the East.
Illinois +230 to Win South Region
Illinois has the kind of offense that can carry a team to the Final Four. They rank among the best in the country in efficiency and lean heavily on 3-point shooting, making them tough to guard for a full 40 minutes.
Freshman Keaton Wagler has emerged as a go-to scorer, and the Illini have multiple shooters who can get hot quickly. They also bring size and rebounding, giving them balance to go with that firepower.
Houston will be a tough test, but Illinois has more offensive juice. If they dictate tempo and hit from deep, they have the tools to break through and win the South Region.
Michigan +340 to Win the National Championship
Michigan’s size and talent make them one of the toughest matchups left in the field. Their frontcourt is loaded with NBA-level players, and it showed in their dominant win over Saint Louis, where they controlled the game on both ends.
They can overwhelm teams inside while also stretching defenses with efficient three-point shooting, giving them multiple ways to beat you. Even if the guard play isn’t perfect, their size and depth create a huge margin for error most teams can’t match.
If the shooting stays consistent and they continue to dominate the glass, Michigan has the tools, versatility and firepower to power through the bracket and win it all.
