Apr 7, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden cuts down the net after defeating the Houston Cougars in the national championship game of the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

The 2025-26 college basketball season tips off on Monday, and we have the defending national champions in action in a top-15 battle to get things rolling.

Fresh off the third title in program history, the No. 3 Florida Gators travel to Las Vegas to take on No. 13 Arizona. The Gators lost most of their backcourt production from last year's championship team, but they return what could be the best frontcourt in America.

The Wildcats, meanwhile, are coming off their third Sweet 16 trip under coach Tommy Lloyd. They also lost some major production from last season but return starting point guard Jaden Bradley while adding a pair of promising true freshmen in Koa Peat and Brayden Burrows

Stream Florida vs. Arizona

If you are looking for some betting advice for the matchup, we've got you covered. Here are the latest odds for the game, courtesy of BetMGM.

Florida vs. Arizona game odds

All college basketball odds via BetMGM

  • Spread: Florida -3.5 (-110), Arizona +3.5 (-110)
  • Money Line: Florida -165, Arizona +135
  • Over-Under: Over 162.5 (-110), Under 162.5 (-110)

Florida vs. Arizona prediction, pick:

This should be a thrilling matchup to begin the season. Given Florida's talented backcourt that's replete with size, teams that struggle to match up with that will likely have issues against this team this year. Arizona, however, could have the size to do so.

The Wildcats do lack experience, however, and while Florida will be breaking in some new backcourt pieces of its own, both new starting guards, Xavian Lee and Boogie Fland, are talented transfer editions. Arizona can hang with the defending champs here, but I think Florida will ultimately pull away.

Prediction: Florida 88, Arizona 80

Best Bet: Florida -3.5, Over 162.5

Florida vs. Arizona channel, start time, streaming:

Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV Channel: TNT/TruTV

Live Stream: TNT App

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Florida vs. Arizona: College basketball betting odds, prediction

Reporting by Tyler Nettuno, College Sports Wire / College Sports Wire

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