College Basketball National Championship Odds 2024: How Bronny James' commitment impacts USC's title odds

While it's only been a month since the Connecticut Huskies took down the San Diego State Aztecs in the 2023 National Championship game, there's been some pretty significant shifts in the 2024 futures market. Relative to the last time we checked in on the odds to win the 2024 title, bettors have a much clearer picture when projecting out the 2023-24 season.

We've seen the coaching carousel come to a halt, numerous big-named transfers find new homes, and highly touted high school prospects announce their commitments. Of course, there's an abundance of impactful transfers still in the portal, along with countless NBA Draft early entrants who will end up returning to college, but for now, bettors can peruse through the odds board with more confidence when searching for the best bet to win the 2024 National Championship.

Bronny James' commitment to USC is sure to make the Trojans a public darling this season, but in the futures markets, USC (+4000) hasn't seen much movement in its title odds. James' addition to coach Andy Enfield's rotation gives the Trojans another highly skilled combo guard, and with the consensus top-rated recruit Isaiah Collier playing alongside James, USC has an outside chance to make a deep tournament run come March. USC also added former Washington State wing DJ Rodman, son of NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman, who's already proven he can produce in the Pac-12.

There are still 19 other schools with better odds to cut down the nets in Phoenix next year, but gaining a high-IQ guard in James who understands his role on the hardwood will undoubtedly lead to a strong '23-24 season for the cardinal and gold. While James has a real opportunity to have a successful basketball career, his commitment hasn't had as profound of an effect on the Trojans' futures odds as some might expect. After all, he's likely a one-and-done prospect who could come off the bench as the team's third guard behind Collier and First-Team All-Pac-12 guard Boogie Ellis.

Elsewhere in the futures market, the Kansas Jayhawks (+1200) now have the third-best odds to win it all following the commitment of former Michigan big man Hunter Dickinson. The Jayhawks also added two impactful guards via the transfer portal in Nick Timberlake (Towson) and Arterio Morris (Texas), making Bill Self's crew the early favorites to win the Big 12 en route to a high seed come Selection Sunday.

Kansas might not be done there, as former Duke commit and consensus five-star wing Mackenzie Mgbako is reportedly down to KU and Indiana. Should Mgbako take his talents to Lawrence, don't be surprised to see the Jayhawks priced as the odds-on favorites ahead of Duke (+1000) and Connecticut (+1200).

Futures bettors should also have an eye on the Gonzaga Bulldogs (+2500) despite the Zags' inability to break through in March. Drew Timme is no longer a part of the program, but the Zags scored a commitment from Ryan Nembhard, one of the top guards in the transfer portal and brother of ex-Zag Andrew Nembhard. Mark Few also landed ex-Wyoming big man Graham Ike to dominate in the paint, and we know the 'Zags are always a shoo-in to be in contention for a No. 1 seed after cruising through the WCC.

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Who's your pick to cut down the nets in Phoenix next April? Here's a look at the updated odds to win the 2024 college basketball National Championship via BetMGM.

Odds to win the 2024 College Basketball National Championship

Odds courtesy of BetMGM