John Wooden Award Odds (2025-26)

The following post features the John Wooden Award Odds (2025-26).

The John Wooden Award recognizes the most outstanding player in college basketball each season, honoring excellence on and off the court during the 2025-26 campaign.

Read: Jerry West Award Watch List (Best SGs)

Related: Karl Malone Award Watch List (Best PFs)

The race for the Wooden Award spotlights the nation’s premier talent, giving fans and bettors alike a glimpse at who could emerge as the face of college basketball.

So, what are the John Wooden Award Odds in 2025-26? Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

Duke freshman Cooper Flagg won the 2024–25 John R. Wooden Award, as the most outstanding player in men’s college basketball after averaging 18.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 4.2 APG while leading Duke to the Final Four. He was selected over four other finalists: Auburn’s Johni Broome, Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr., Alabama’s Mark Sears, and Purdue’s Braden Smith. Broome, a fifth-year senior, had an impressive season of 18.7 PPG and 10.9 RPG and was named the SEC Player of the Year. Flagg’s victory marks the eighth Wooden Award for Duke, the most by any school, and was decided in a close vote, with Flagg edging out Broome by 178 votes.

How the Award Works

The John R. Wooden Award recognizes the most outstanding men’s college basketball player each season, honoring both on-court performance and character. Over the course of the season, the Wooden Award selection committee evaluates players on the preseason watchlist, tracking their statistics, leadership, and overall impact on their teams. Midway through the season, the committee narrows the list to a group of semifinalists, and later selects the five finalists. The winner is then chosen by a national panel of college basketball experts, including media members, former Wooden Award winners, and Hall of Fame coaches.

John Wooden Award Odds (2025-26)

Below is a table displaying the preseason odds for the 2025-26 John Wooden Award. All odds were sourced on October 1, 2025. Click here for the very latest odds (via OddsChecker).

John Wooden Award Winners (2015 – Present)

Here are the winners from years past – notice lots of NBA names on this list.

Conclusion

The John Wooden Award celebrates the best in college basketball, blending talent, leadership, and character. The 2025–26 race is wide open, and the watch list will be the key to spotting this year’s standout.