The 2026-27 college basketball season is still a distant horizon, but the early buzz is already building, and the Arizona Wildcats are right in the thick of it. Despite a roster still taking shape, national media and oddsmakers are showing significant faith in head coach Tommy Lloyd's ability to keep Arizona among the nation's elite.

Following another successful campaign that ended in the Final Four, the Wildcats are consistently landing in the top 10 of numerous "way-too-early" rankings for next season. This confidence stems from Lloyd's proven track record; he has delivered competitive teams in each of his first five seasons at the helm.

The betting markets reflect this optimism. FanDuel Sportsbook currently lists Arizona with the third-best odds to win the 2027 national championship at +1200, trailing only co-favorites Duke and Michigan.

While the Wildcats will feel the departure of key players like Jaden Bradley and likely NBA-bound freshmen, the potential return of frontcourt starters Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov provides a formidable defensive foundation. The incoming recruiting class, headlined by five-star guard Caleb Holt, adds immediate high-end talent. As with every top program, Arizona is expected to be active in the transfer portal, with securing a starting-caliber point guard being a noted priority.

If the core returns and Lloyd works his usual magic in assembling the roster, Arizona is poised to once again be a defensive powerhouse and a serious contender in the Big 12 and on the national stage. The offseason moves will be crucial, but the early outlook in Tucson is undeniably bright.