Louisville basketball had one of the highest odds entering the season to make the Final Four and to win the 2026 National Championship. The Cardinals fans have been starving for a National Title since 2013, when Louisville made a notable run in March Madness, punched their ticket to the Final Four, and won their last NCAA Championship.
However, that 2013 title of course, was ripped away from the program and the fans, making the city and the program even hungrier for that next title. Many thought this could be the year Louisville cuts down the nets as Pat Kelsey brought in three elite transfers and two stars from the 2025 recruiting class.
However, through the first 20 games, the season hasn’t gone according to plan, and as a result, Louisville’s Final Four, NCAA Title, and ACC Title odds have taken a massive hit.
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Louisville basketball Final Four odds take a huge hit
Louisville entered the season with the sixth-highest odds to win the National Title at +2000 and the second-highest odds to win the ACC at +220. The Cardinals entered the regular season ranked No. 11 and were expected to be a team poised for a late-March run and to play in early April.
However, Vegas oddsmakers are sending the Cardinals fans a reality check as FanDuel updated their latest odds for the Final Four, ACC Title, and NCAA Title, and it isn’t a good sign for Louisville. The Cardinals now have the 23rd-highest odds to make the Final Four at +2500, are tied for the 7th-highest odds to win the ACC at +40000, and have the 21st-highest odds at +8000.
Louisville fans have seen their odds plummet after their blowout loss to Duke on Monday night. The Cards suffered their sixth loss through 20 games, marking their fifth loss to a ranked team. Louisville has a glaring concern against quality opponents, as they have lost their five games against ranked teams by an average of 16.2 points, including their 31-point loss to Duke.
Of course, Louisville can still go on a run and pick up momentum heading into the postseason. Louisville has two quality opponents in Clemson and North Carolina, and then the ACC Tournament is a massive opportunity for this team to gain momentum heading into the NCAA Tournament.
The Cardinals have pieces in Mikel Brown Jr. and Ryan Conwell, but they need their other role players to step up, especially in these big-time games against ranked teams.