Purdue was already among the betting favorites to win college basketball’s national championship in 2026, but after a big day on the recruiting front on Wednesday, the Boilermakers are now the favorite.
On Wednesday, the Boilers received a commitment from top 2025 international prospect Omer Mayer, a 6-foot-4 guard who is considered among the best players at his position. Later in the day, Purdue landed a pledge from North Florida transfer wing Liam Murphy.
After those two players committed to Purdue, the Boilermakers quickly became the betting favorite to bring a national title back to West Lafayette, per FanDuel.
Purdue is now plus-1000 to win next year’s NCAA championship, tied with Duke at the top. Houston is plus-1200 and Louisville, BYU and UConn are all listed at plus-1600, via FanDuel.
Last season, the Boilermakers finished with a 24-12 record and reached the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament. They were defeated in heartbreaking fashion by Houston, losing 62-60.
From last year’s squad, Purdue returns Big Ten Player of the Year and Bob Cousy Award winner Braden Smith, first-team All-Big Ten selection Trey Kaufman-Renn and All-Big Ten honorable mention Fletcher Loyer. The Boilers also return 7-foot-4 center Daniel Jacobsen, as well as forward Raleigh Burgess and guards Gicarri Harris and CJ Cox.
Additionally, the Boilers landed a transfer commitment from 6-foot-11 center Oscar Cluff, who spent last season at South Dakota State.
There’s a lot to like about the roster that coach Matt Painter and his staff have assembled in West Lafayette. Will it result in a national championship at the end of the 2025-26 season?
BOILERS SCHEDULE KENT STATE: Purdue has reportedly scheduled a home game against Kent State out of the MAC for the 2025-26 season. The Golden Flashes finished last season 24-12. CLICK HERE
PURDUE LANDS LIAM MURPHY: Purdue added its second transfer commitment of the offseason, landing a pledge from former Columbia and North Florida forward Liam Murphy. He averaged 13.3 points and shot 42.3% from 3-point range with the Ospreys. CLICK HERE
FANS REACT TO MAYER COMMITMENT: Omer Mayer, the top-ranked international prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, committed to Purdue on Wednesday. There were plenty of strong reactions coming out of West Lafayette following the news. CLICK HERE
MAYER COMMITS TO PURDUE: The Purdue basketball team landed a huge commitment, as EuroLeague star Omer Mayer will join the team as a member of the 2025-26 roster. CLICK HERE
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