Best College Basketball Teams Against the Spread (ATS) This Season

North Carolina Central guard Dionte Johnson (2) brings the ball up the floor during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game gainst North Carolina, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, in Chapel Hill, N.C.
(AP Photo/Chris Seward)

College basketball is practically made for online sports betting. It’s the second-most popular league for basketball fans, and with more than 360 teams now in Division I, there are always games on.

Like the blue bloods? Cool. Go lay it with Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas. They play two or three times per week, every week, through the end of February.

But the brilliance of college hoops is that there are dozens of other good teams, and many of them fly below the radar for months. If you’re willing to take a deep dive into the world of college basketball odds, there are almost always overlooked cover machines that you can find.

Betting these teams can be profitable for weeks on end before anyone else catches on. 

For your consideration, here are the best cover teams so far during the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season, as of Dec. 12.

Best College Basketball Teams Against the Spread (2025-26)

TeamATS Record 2025-26Cover Percentage
Sam Houston5-0100%
Hofstra9-190%
William & Mary8-189%
Idaho State8-189%
Stony Brook8-189%
Mercer7-188%
Tulsa7-1-188%
Tarleton6-186%
Marist5-1-183%
Portland State 5-183%
Iowa9-282%
Arizona State8-2-180%
Colorado State8-280%
SC Upstate8-280%

BetMGM is the premier destination for year-round college basketball betting all season. With live sports betting, parlays, and tournament odds, there’s something for everyone at the best online sportsbook.

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The content provided in this blog is intended for entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are the authors and reflect their individual perspectives on sports, betting, and related topics. This content should not be considered professional betting advice or the official views of BetMGM LLC. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues related to gambling, seek help from a licensed health professional. This blog is not liable for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from betting activities.

About the Author Read More @chaseakiddy

Chase Kiddy is a writer for BetMGM and co-host of The Lion's Edge, an NFL and college football podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere else. He has also written for a number of print and online outlets, including the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Washington Post, Daily News-Record, and HERO Sports. His first novel, Cave Paintings, is in development.

Chase Kiddy is a writer for BetMGM and co-host of The Lion's Edge, an NFL and college football podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere else. He has also written for a number of print and online outlets, including the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Washington Post, Daily News-Record, and HERO Sports. His first novel, Cave Paintings, is in development.