March Madness MVP Predictions & Picks 2026: NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player
Get ready for the 2026 NCAA Tournament with all the information you need to make your March Madness MVP predictions and picks, including the top March Madness MVP odds.
After the conclusion of the second round of the NCAA Tournament, our top March Madness betting sites are now offering odds for the Most Outstanding Player of the 2026 NCAA Tournament as we enter 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 in the mix. Historically, only players from teams that make a deep tournament run have been able to win this award, which has been given out every year since 1983 when Akeen Olajuwon of Houston won it despite losing in the final to NC State.
As we near the Sweet 16, we are analyzing the intricacies of the betting market in relation to our March Madness projections. Be sure to also review our top picks for the 2026 March Madness MVP and the odds for the 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
Top odds: +1000 on FanDuel
In order to win this award, a player’s team typically needs to win the title. This is why most of UConn’s top players have some of the shortest odds to win March Madness MVP. As the Huskies’ odds of winning the title improve, it would be wise to support their best player as a potential MVP candidate.
Tristen Newton leads UConn in points (15.3) and assists (6.2), and is second in rebounds (6.8). He is a major factor in the Huskies’ high offensive efficiency ranking and their average of 81.6 points per game. In the opening round against Stetson, Newton displayed his scoring prowess with 13 points and playmaking skills with eight assists, shooting an impressive 60% from three. He continued to shine in the second round against Northwestern, scoring 20 points and dishing out 10 assists.
Even at odds of +1100, he is not the favorite on the team to win the award, as Donovan Clingan has shorter odds at +650. Therefore, we see good value in placing a $10 bet on Newton, which could result in a $100 profit if he is named March Madness MVP.
Jamal Shead
Top odds: +1100 at bet365
In recent months, UConn has emerged as the top contender in college basketball, but Houston has proven to be a formidable opponent. The Cougars, with their strong defense led by Jamal Shead, are trailing closely behind the Huskies in Final Four odds. Houston boasts the best defense in the nation, ranking second in adjusted defensive efficiency and first in points allowed per game at 57.7.
Despite not having as high of a scoring output as other March Madness MVP contenders, Shead is known for his playmaking abilities and setting up his teammates. He averages 6.4 assists per game and ranks No. 2 in the country in DBPR according to EvanMiya. In Houston’s first-round victory against Longwood, Shead scored 11 points, dished out nine assists, and shot 62.5% from the field. In the second round OT win over Texas A&M, he recorded 21 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds.
Shead’s odds are slightly higher at +1100 on bet365, while FanDuel’s +1000 odds suggest a 9.09% chance of him winning the award, as calculated by 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 sports betting apps and promotions. Must be 21+ and located in NC. Don’t miss out on these exclusive pre-launch deals!
FanDuel offers a $250 bonus when you bet $5, Caesars offers $250 for a $10 bet, bet365 gives $200 for a $5 bet, DraftKings provides $250 for a $5 bet, and BetMGM offers $150 for a $5 bet.
You must be 21 or older to gamble. If you have a gambling problem, please call 877-718-5543 or text “morethanagamenc” to 53342.
How to bet on the March Madness MVP
Placing bets on the March Madness Most Outstanding Player (MOP) award brings an extra level of anticipation to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Begin by conducting research on players’ statistics, playing styles, and previous accomplishments to pinpoint potential candidates. Focus on futures bets associated with the MOP award, taking into account factors such as a player’s scoring prowess and leadership skills when deciding on your pick. Evaluate odds from various sportsbooks, study tournament schedules and matchups, and spread out your bets sensibly to increase your likelihood 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?
Sports betting websites offer dedicated menus for March Madness markets. To place a bet, choose your preferred sportsbook, navigate to the “March Madness MVP” or “Most Outstanding Player” section, select the player you want to bet on, enter your stake, and submit your bet.
Who won last year’s March Madness MVP?
Adama Sanogo emerged as the MVP of the 2026 March Madness tournament, with his odds listed at +200 before the Final Four.
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 and older. If you have a gambling problem, please 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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