Let’s talk Arizona Wildcats first. These guys stroll into the 2025-26 season with a swagger and a chip on their shoulder. Early futures show them at around +3500 to win the national championship.
FanDuel Translation: you’d win $3,500 for every $100 you bet on them to cut down the nets. Not top 10 odds, but respectable enough that they’re in the “serious contender” conversation rather than just “hopeful dark horse.”
What’s got me hyped: Arizona has the talent, the brand, and the whole “we-haven’t done it in a while” angst that can fuel a deep run. They’re entering the Big 12 era (yeah, the wild, wild Big 12) with something to prove. If they can sharpen the offense, tighten up the defense, and avoid those brain-fart losses that have plagued them in past seasons, they’ve got the runway.
Could they win the Big 12? I believe yes — but I also believe that odds are long and the conference is brutal.
So I’m cautiously optimistic. I’m thinking 25-28 regular-season wins, maybe more if they avoid injuries and embrace the chaos of that schedule. I’m setting my personal bar at “Wildcats make Sweet 16 and don’t look foolish doing it.”
Arizona State Sun Devils: Will the Underdogs Howl or Just Yip?
Now, onto the Arizona State Sun Devils. Man, these guys are the underdog I root for when I’ll be honestly pleased if they don’t embarrass themselves. Their odds to win the national title? Somewhere in the +25000 range as offered by Arizona sportsbooks.
That’s like saying you might find a diamond while playing in a sandpit. This program is in rebuild mode, ugly Big 12 debut last season (13-20 record) and all that.
That said — the hope is real. New transfers, better roster cohesion, maybe a wildcard or two. If the Suns can land 8-10 conference wins and show flashes against the Big boys, I’ll call it a success. The expectations are low enough to inspire the kind of surges that make bracket-watchers gasp.
I’ll predict Arizona State wins 18-20 regular-season games, maybe more if things break right. And I’ll hope for a Big 12 tournament upset somewhere — because those make great stories.
Here’s the funny little narrative I’m amused by: Arizona is the older sibling, got all the perks, the respect, the pressure. Arizona State is the scrappy younger sibling, loud, a little reckless, maybe wild, but has fire.
The rivalry never dies; now they’re neighbors in the Big 12. Every time ASU competes, they get to lean into that “We’re coming for you” attitude. Every time Arizona wins, they remind ASU how the script is supposed to go.
From a betting-futures perspective:
- Arizona Wildcats: legit contender, keep an eye on them, maybe consider a futures ticket if you like value.
- Arizona State Sun Devils: speculative long-shot, fun for a small flyer, but don’t mortgage the house.
Here’s what I’m going bold on: I’m picking Arizona to make Elite Eight at least, and considering that a strong success. I’m also rooting — selfishly — for Arizona State to pull off a couple of upset wins in conference play, maybe end up in the NCAA tournament by spring. A story like that would be glorious.
To wrap up: If I were placing a bet (and yes, I sometimes do), I might put a few bucks on Arizona winning the Big 12, and a smaller multipick on them reaching Final Four. I might throw a token amount on Arizona State as an “upset the world” ticket — entertainment value alone.
But beyond the odds and the futures boards, what I’m really hoping for is this: two Arizona teams that make the region proud, that make local fans believe again, that show grit, show excitement, and give us stories we’ll talk about in March. Wildcats — you’ve got the pedigree. Sun Devils — you’ve got the fight. Let’s make this season one worth remembering.
Here’s to buzzer beaters, breakout freshmen, shocking upsets — and maybe, just maybe, a Wildcats banner or a Sun Devils Cinderella moment. I’m watching. You should, too.
