As usual, the Big 12 has been one of the best and deepest conferences in the nation this season.
It ranks second in Evan Miya's conference ratings, and has multiple national title contenders, including Arizona, Iowa State, Houston and Kansas.
So, how am I betting the Big 12 Tournament? Here are my college basketball picks, odds, sleepers and the bracket for the event in Kansas City.
2026 Big 12 Tournament Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Arizona | -105 |
| Houston | +220 |
| Iowa State | +750 |
| Kansas | +800 |
| Texas Tech | +1300 |
| Cincinnati | +4500 |
| TCU | +6000 |
| BYU | +15000 |
| West Virginia | +16000 |
| UCF | +50000 |
| Colorado | +50000 |
| Baylor | +50000 |
| Arizona State | +60000 |
| Oklahoma State | +80000 |
| Kansas State | +80000 |
Odds via DraftKings
2026 Big 12 Tournament Bracket
Big 12 Tournament Favorites
Arizona Wildcats
Arizona ran roughshod over the Big 12 this season, dropping just two games in league play all season (and none in non-conference play).
The Wildcats are arguably the most physical team in the country, with a frontline that can beat up anyone else’s.
An elite group of freshmen headline what's been one of the best teams in the country all season.
But Arizona does have one notable weakness: It can't shoot the ball. Only three teams in the country have a lower 3-point attempt rate this season, meaning Arizona is highly susceptible to a random 3-point variance game in March.
If an opposing team gets liquid hot from deep, Arizona will be hard-pressed to mount a comeback with its limited ability to make 3s of its own.
That hasn’t been a problem this season, but March is mad, and it might be worth looking elsewhere in the Big 12 market given its price.
Houston Cougars
Houston is awesome again, surprise, surprise. The Cougars are once again a ridiculously tough, athletic and long team capable of swallowing opposing offenses whole on their defensive end.
They also have a projected top-five pick running point guard in Kingston Flemings, a fireball of basketball talent.
Houston’s guard play on offense, its rebounding ability and its ability to lock down the paint defensively make it a dangerous threat to win the conference tourney.
However, an inability to get to the rim or free throw line limits its ceiling.
The Cougars were 0-3 against Iowa State, Kansas and Arizona this season and split with Texas Tech.
Best Big 12 Tournament Futures Wagers
Arizona (-105)
I outlined reasons above as to why Arizona might not capture the Big 12 crown.
However, cutting down the nets may be inevitable.
Iowa State (+750)
The Clones come limping into Chicago as losers of three of their past five.
Once rated as high as No. 2 in KenPom, Iowa State has fallen to seventh and looks like a shell of itself from its previous high.
But don’t count this team out. Iowa State still has an elite defense, the best shooter in the country in Milan Momcilovic, arguably the best Swiss Army Knife player in Joshua Jefferson, a great coach in T.J. Otzelberger and a talented backcourt.
They’ll need to go through Arizona, but this is a dangerous one-week squad.
Best Big 12 Tournament Value Bets
Kansas (+800)
Two losses in the Grand Canyon state doesn’t erase the fact that Kansas is a legit Big 12 title contender with the perhaps the most talented player in the country on its roster.
The Jayhawks have an elite defense — anchored by big man Flory Bidunga — and have wins over Arizona, Houston, Iowa State and Texas Tech.
Kansas is worth a look.
Texas Tech (+1300)
Losing JT Toppin has derailed Texas Tech's Final Four hopes and eroded what was once a high ceiling.
But the Red Raiders have also proved they can win without him.
Christian Anderson is a gamer and Grant McCasland is one of the top coaches in the country.
But the lack of depth will hurt Texas Tech in a tourney setting.
The Red Raiders should be avoided.
BYU (+15000)
BYU lost Richie Saunders to an ACL tear resulting in a late-season swoon.
A 10-seed in the Big 12 Tournament is wild considering what the expectations were in the preseason.
AJ Dybantsa gives the Cougars a chance against anyone, but this is a true flyer bet.
Breaking Down Big 12 Bubble Teams
TCU Horned Frogs
TCU has won eight of 10 down the stretch, which is enough to punch a bid to the Big Dance.
Even a first-round Big 12 Tournament loss can’t keep the Horned Frogs out – impressive after a season-opening Quad 4 loss to New Orleans.
TCU won’t win this tourney, but it’ll be a tough out.
Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincy essentially played itself out with a Saturday loss at TCU. The Bearcats had a hell of a run, ranking as a top-20 team since January 1, per Bart Torvik (and top 10 since February 1).
But they simply don't have the resume to crack an at-large bid.
Even a couple wins in the tourney likely won’t get them there.
Bye, bye, Wes Miller.
West Virginia Mountaineers
West Virginia has an uphill battle for an at-large bid, but a win or two in the Big 12 Tournament makes things interesting.
West Virginia just lacks top end talent compared to its conference peers, but a strong defense and excellent coaching gives it a shot for the Big Dance.
Arizona State Sun Devils
Arizona State is basically drawing dead, and Bobby Hurley is likely out after the season ends.
Find bets elsewhere and consider fading the Sun Devils in Round 1.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Oklahoma State's resume metrics aren’t that bad with another win or two, but an injury to Parsa Fallah severely limits the Pokes’ conference tournament ceiling.
This is another longshot to avoid.
