Arizona, Michigan, Duke and Florida have emerged as the clear favorites in the 2026 men's NCAA tournament, according to a poll of 25 coaches and scouts. Arizona received the most votes to win the national championship with 12, followed by Duke with 5 votes, Michigan with 3, and Florida with 2. The Wildcats, Blue Devils, Wolverines and Gators were the only teams to receive multiple votes.

Coaches praised Arizona's dominant size and physicality, with one calling them an "old-school bully" that wears opponents down. Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries provide clutch late-game shooting, while the Wildcats rank in the top five nationally in both offensive and defensive efficiency. However, their lack of perimeter shooting - ranking 332nd nationally in 3-pointers made per game - could be their fatal flaw.

Duke's Cameron Boozer was cited as the key to their championship hopes, with one ACC coach calling him "the best player I've ever coached against in college basketball." The Blue Devils face injury concerns with Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II both sidelined, potentially exposing their lack of depth. Meanwhile, Michigan's balanced roster and defensive versatility make them dangerous, though the season-ending injury to L.J. Cason creates uncertainty heading into the tournament.