March Madness MVP Predictions & Picks 2026: NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player
Get ready for the 2026 NCAA Tournament with everything you need to know to make your March Madness MVP predictions and picks using the top March Madness MVP odds available.
After the conclusion of the second round of the NCAA Tournament, our top March Madness betting sites are now offering odds on the 2026 NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding player as we head into the Sweet 16.
The teams favored to win March Madness and make it to the Final Four are ready to compete, with numerous MVP contenders to choose from. Winning this market typically requires a strong tournament performance, as it has consistently rewarded the MVP of the championship team every year since 1983, when Akeen Olajuwon claimed the title for Houston despite losing to NC State in the final.
As we near the Sweet 16, we are analyzing the betting market details in preparation for our March Madness predictions. Be sure to also review our top 2026 March Madness MVP picks and the odds for March Madness MVP.
Our top 2026 March Madness MVP predictions
| Name | Team | Position | Best odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tristen Newton | UConn | Guard | +1000 via FanDuel |
| Jamal Shead | Houston | Guard | +1100 via bet365 |
| Donovan Clingan | UConn | Center | +650 via FanDuel |
| Dalton Knecht | Tennessee | Guard | +1600 via FanDuel |
| Zach Edey | Purdue | Center | +700 via bet365 |
| RJ Davis | North Carolina | Guard | +1600 via FanDuel |
| Keshon Gilbert | Iowa State | Guard | +6500 via FanDuel |
| Terrence Shannon | Illinois | Guard | +4800 via FanDuel |
Our favorite 2026 March Madness MVP predictions
Tristen Newton
FanDuel offers the best odds at +1000.
In order for a player to win this award, his team typically needs to win the championship. This is why many of UConn’s top players have some of the best odds to win March Madness MVP. With the Huskies’ odds of winning the title improving each day, it would be wise to support their best player.
Tristen Newton leads UConn in points (15.3) and assists (6.2), and is second in rebounds (6.8). He is a key factor in the Huskies ranking second in adjusted offensive efficiency according to KenPom, averaging 81.6 points per game. In the opening round win against Stetson, Newton displayed his scoring abilities with 13 points and playmaking skills with eight assists, shooting 60% from three. He improved in the second round against Northwestern, scoring 20 points and dishing out 10 assists.
With odds of +1100, he isn’t even the favorite on the team to win the award – that title goes to Donovan Clingan at +650. This makes us think there is good value in betting on him. If you wager $10 on Newton and he is named March Madness MVP, you would profit $100.
Jamal Shead
Top odds: +1100 on bet365
Recently, UConn has been dominating in college basketball, but Houston is showing they could be a serious contender. The Cougars, led by Jamal Shead, have a strong defense and are just behind the Huskies in Final Four odds. Houston is ranked second in adjusted defensive efficiency and first in points allowed per game (57.7).
Although Shead may not score as much as other March Madness MVP candidates, he excels as a playmaker by consistently setting up his teammates. With an average of 6.4 assists per game and a No. 2 ranking in DBPR nationwide, according to EvanMiya, Shead has proven to be a valuable asset for his team. In Houston’s first round victory against Longwood, Shead contributed 11 points, nine assists, and shot an impressive 62.5% from the field. He continued to shine in the Cougars’ second round overtime win over Texas A&M, recording 21 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds.
We are seeing slightly better odds for Shead at +1100 on bet365 compared to FanDuel’s +1000 odds, which suggest a 9.09% chance of him winning the award based on our odds calculator.
Past March Madness MVP winners
| Year | Player | College | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Adama Sanogo | Connecticut | ✅ |
| 2026 | Ochai Agbaji | Kansas | ✅ |
| 2021 | Jared Butler | Baylor | ✅ |
| 2019 | Kyle Guy | Virginia | ✅ |
| 2018 | Donte DiVincenzo | Villanova | ✅ |
| 2017 | Joel Berry II | North Carolina | ✅ |
| 2016 | Ryan Arciadacono | Villanova | ✅ |
| 2015 | Tyus Jones | Duke | ✅ |
| 2014 | Shabazz Napier | Connecticut | ✅ |
| 2013 | Luke Hancock | Louisville | ✅ |
| 2012 | Anthony Davis | Kentucky | ✅ |
| 2011 | Kemba Walker | Connecticut | ✅ |
| 2010 | Kyle Singler | Duke | ✅ |
| 2009 | Wayne Ellington | North Carolina | ✅ |
| 2008 | Mario Chalmers | Kansas | ✅ |
| 2007 | Corey Brewer | Florida | ✅ |
| 2006 | Joakim Noah | Florida | ✅ |
| 2005 | Sean May | North Carolina | ✅ |
| 2004 | Emeka Okafor | Connecticut | ✅ |
| 2003 | Carmelo Anthony | Syracuse | ✅ |
| 2002 | Juan Dixon | Maryland | ✅ |
| 2001 | Shane Battier | Duke | ✅ |
| 2000 | Mateen Cleaves | Michigan State | ✅ |
North Carolina sportsbook offers
Editor’s note: Now that sports betting is live in North Carolina, be sure to explore our top recommended sports betting apps and promotions for the state. Must be 21+ and located in NC to participate. Don’t miss out on these exclusive pre-launch deals!
FanDuel offers a promotion where you can bet $5 and get $250, Caesars offers a promotion where you can bet $10 and get $250, bet365 offers a promotion where you can bet $5 and get $200, DraftKings offers a promotion where you can bet $5 and get $250, and BetMGM offers a promotion where you can bet $5 and get $150.
You must be 21 or older to gamble. If you have a gambling problem, call 877-718-5543 or text “morethanagamenc” to 53342. No underage persons allowed to wager.
How to bet on the March Madness MVP
Placing bets on the March Madness Most Outstanding Player (MOP) award enhances the thrill of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Begin by analyzing player statistics, playing styles, and previous performances to determine possible candidates for the MOP award. Focus on futures bets related to the award and take into account factors such as a player’s scoring skills and leadership qualities when choosing. Compare odds from different sportsbooks, study tournament schedules and rivalries, and spread out your bets wisely to increase your odds of winning.
March Madness MVP FAQs
How is the March Madness MVP determined?
After the championship game, media members select the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
How can I bet on the March Madness MVP?
You can easily find March Madness markets on sports betting sites by navigating through the menus. Once you find the “March Madness MVP” or “Most Outstanding Player” option, choose the player you want to bet on, enter your stake, and place your bet through your preferred sportsbook.
Who won last year’s March Madness MVP?
Adama Sanogo, who was listed at +200 odds heading into the Final Four, was named the MVP of the 2026 March Madness tournament.
March Madness betting odds pages
Here are our best March Madness betting sites:
- Caesars Promo Code: SBRBONUS1000 | Read our Caesars Review
- BetMGM Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetMGM Review
- bet365 Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our bet365 Review
- BetRivers Promo Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetRivers Review
- FanDuel Promo Code | Read our FanDuel Review
- DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review
(21+. If you have a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER)* Bonuses cannot be used in Ontario.
Related pages
- Best Sports Betting Sites | Best Underscoreg Promos (U.S. only)
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