They’re Saying There’s a Chance: WVU Basketball National Title Odds

When asked about his goals for his time with WVU basketball, Ross Hodge always gives the same answer – win a national championship.

Now with the season days away from tipping off, one major betting service is ready to set the odds on Hodge pulling off his lofty goal in his first year leading the Mountaineers.

ESPN Bet has released their national title odds for each college basketball team, placing +12500 odds on West Virginia winning it all.

In an interview with CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein in May, Hodge made it clear that he’s striving to win a national championship for the Mountaineers.

“Obviously, want to get back to the NCAA Tournament. I mean, the ultimate goal would be to win a national championship,” Hodge told Rothstein when asked about his goals.

Hodge also realizes his dream is no different than any other coach and putting together a solid roster was his true goal for the 2025 offseason.

Ross Hodge Not Afraid to Set High Expectations, Lofty Goals for WVU

“I think that’s what everybody wants to do. It’s not easy to do, but that’s what we want to do here, and to do that, you’ve got to put a team together that’s connected and tough, plays for each other, and plays the right way. That would be the goal. Not only get in the NCAA Tournament, but advance,” added Hodge.

As for where the WVU team stands heading into the season opener against Mount Saint Mary’s on Tuesday, Hodge’s team won an exhibition against Wheeling and also beat Maryland 95-73 in a closed scrimmage.

While WVU is unlikely to win the whole thing, ESPN is saying there’s a chance.

Hodge’s predecessor Darian DeVries was able to flip WVU from arguably the worst season in program history two years ago to a 10-win turn around. However, that did not prove enough to make the NCAA Tournament, even if fans will always believe the Mountaineers were snubbed.

As far as the last time WVU was truly a national contender, Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Huggins led West Virginia to the Sweet 16 three out of four years within the last decade, and of course, guided WVU to the Final Four in 2010.

Note: Despite 31 appearances, WVU has never won the NCAA Tournament. West Virginia does claim the 1942 NIT title as a national championship due to the NIT being the premiere national tournament at that time.

Find more coverage of Ross Hodge and the WVU basketball program at WV Sports Now.