NCAA Final Four: What Are the Early Odds for 2023-24?

As any seasoned member of the sports-wagering social sphere knows, betting on college basketball's March Madness (which is arguably the greatest tournament in American sports) is a proud and permeating pastime.

Whether making a play on your alma mater or supporting a Cinderella-story underdog, college hoops offers an expansive field of schools that eventually whittles down to the thrilling NCAA Division I basketball tournament -- simply, there is nothing like it.

Of course, the pinnacle of March Madness is the Final Four. When surveying the 2024 Final Four odds at FanDuel Sportsbook, none of the programs from last year's Final Four are currently in the top five -- as expected. It's worth noting that, in the upcoming campaign, the final round of the "big dance" will be hosted at State Farm Stadium (the home of the Arizona Cardinals) in Glendale, Arizona on April 6th and 8th.

That being the case, which institutions lead market prior to basketball season? Let's dive into the numbers.

All college basketball odds via FanDuel Sportsbook

*Denotes 2022-23 Final Four qualifier

Kansas Jayhawks

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +350

The four-time national champion Kansas Jayhawks are returning for their 21st year under head coach Bill Self. As an established, original "blue blood" of college basketball, it is no shocker that they commence 2023-24 as the shortest option to reach the next Final Four. Kansas has qualified for this round in 16 different seasons (fifth-highest all-time) -- most recently in 2022.

According to the power rankings from numberFire at the end of last year, KU chimes in at seventh in the country. Similar to the next school on this list, the expectations in Lawrence are always high.

Duke Blue Devils

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +400

Legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski is a year into retirement, but the Duke Blue Devils are still among the nation's best on the hardwood. Coach K's successor at the helm, Jon Scheyer, the former Duke captain and national champion in 2010, is looking to make the Final Four for the 18th occurrence in school history, which would leave the Blue Devils tied for second-most all-time.

Like the aforementioned Jayhawks, Duke most previously made a Final Four appearance in 2022. Still, they were proficient enough to win the ACC tournament again last year. Does that leave them in a solid position to return to the promised land next March?

Michigan State Spartans

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +400

Under head coach Tom Izzo, the Michigan State Spartans have amassed at least 20 wins in each of the past 11 full seasons (disregarding the abbreviated campaign in 2020 due to COVID). Last year, Sparty played strong through the NCAA tournament before being eliminated by the Kansas State Wildcats in a Sweet 16, overtime thriller.

In 2023, MSU will look to improve on their conference record of 11-8 in hopes of earning a higher seed, incidentally palliating their path to a deep run. The Spartans most recently qualified for the Final Four in 2019; East Lansing is certainly hungry for a winner.

Purdue Boilermakers

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +400

As reigning Big Ten champs, the Purdue Boilermakers are coming into 2023-24 with considerable momentum despite a deflating first-round exit at the big dance a year ago. Prior to that, Purdue did well to win their conference tournament for the first time since 2009. Head coach Matt Painter will be back for a 19th season leading his alma mater.

Looking back at numberFire's 2022-23 final college basketball power rankings, the Boilermakers were ranked 10th in the country. At FanDuel Sportsbook's odds to reach the 2024 Final Four, Purdue is currently tied for the second-shortest price (+400) in the market. They are looking to do so for the first time since 1980.

Looking for more basketball betting opportunities? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook to check out all of the upcoming college basketball odds.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.