Duke and Florida lead preseason consensus as the top contenders to reach the 2027 Final Four, driven by roster continuity and elite frontcourts. Florida returns its experienced core including Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, and Rueben Chinyelu after strong prior SEC play, while Duke fields exceptional depth with transfers like John Blackwell and highly rated freshmen such as Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje alongside returning contributors like Cayden Boozer and Patrick Ngongba. Illinois benefits from Final Four momentum with multiple rotation players back, and UConn reloads via the portal under proven coaching. The expanded 76-team field and early-season tests will shape adjustments in implied probabilities as injuries, form, and conference races unfold.