Arizona is the runaway favorite to win the 2026 NCAA men's basketball national championship, according to ESPN's panel of 60 analysts. The Wildcats received 33 votes, far outpacing Michigan's 10 votes for the title. This dominance extends to the West Region, where Arizona was selected by 50 analysts to reach the Final Four. Arizona's 33 votes represent the most popular choice among experts, aiming to end a 29-year championship drought.

Michigan, seeking its first title since 1989, is the only other team with double-digit support. The East Region is expected to be a Duke vs. Michigan showdown, with the Blue Devils favored by nearly two-thirds of voters. The South Region features a Houston vs. Florida rivalry, while the Midwest is wide open with Michigan and Iowa State leading. Arizona's 33 votes highlight the team's perceived strength, though the Final Four's unpredictability remains a key factor.

The panel's selections reflect both historical performance and current tournament projections.