Men's college basketball picks today: Saturday's best bets include Kansas State vs. Oklahoma State play [1/17/2026]

Kansas State +4.5 (-102)

• Edge: 8.0%
• Probability: 58.4%
• Matchup: Kansas State vs. Oklahoma State (10:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model has identified value on Kansas State +4.5 at -102 odds. A 58.4% probability produces an edge of 8.0%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Georgia State -6.5 (-102)

• Edge: 7.2%
• Probability: 57.7%
• Matchup: Georgia State vs. Louisiana-Monroe (3:30PM ET, Saturday)

Georgia State -6.5 carries a 7.2% edge and a probability of 57.7% at -102 odds, according to our model.

Kansas State ML (+202)

• Edge: 6.4%
• Probability: 39.6%
• Matchup: Kansas State vs. Oklahoma State (10:00PM ET, Saturday)

Kansas State ML at +202 odds shows a 6.4% edge, supported by a 39.6% probability in simulations.

USC ML (+420)

• Edge: 6.1%
• Probability: 25.3%
• Matchup: Purdue vs. USC (6:00PM ET, Saturday)

A 6.1% edge and 25.3% probability make USC at the moneyline at a value play in the Purdue vs. USC matchup, per our model.

BYU +3.5 (-110)

• Edge: 6.0%
• Probability: 58.4%
• Matchup: BYU vs. Texas Tech (8:00PM ET, Saturday)

BYU +3.5 at -110 odds presents a 6.0% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 58.4%.

Texas -4.5 (-120)

• Edge: 5.9%
• Probability: 60.4%
• Matchup: Texas A&M vs. Texas (6:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model finds value on Texas -4.5 at -120 odds, supported by an edge of 5.9%.

Tennessee -6.5 (-106)

• Edge: 5.9%
• Probability: 57.3%
• Matchup: Kentucky vs. Tennessee (12:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model has uncovered value on Tennessee -6.5 at -106 odds. A 57.3% probability produces a 5.9% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

Minnesota vs. Illinois over 142.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 5.8%
• Probability: 57%
• Matchup: Minnesota vs. Illinois (12:00PM ET, Saturday)

A 5.8% edge on a 57% probability makes over 142.5 points at -105 odds a solid value play in today's Minnesota vs. Illinois matchup.

Norfolk State ML (-250)

• Edge: 5.8%
• Probability: 77.3%
• Matchup: Norfolk State vs. South Carolina State (4:30PM ET, Saturday)

Our model projects value on Norfolk State to win at -250 odds. A 77.3% probability produces a 5.8% edge, making Norfolk State the favorable ML play in Saturday’s matchup.

USC +9.5 (-105)

• Edge: 5.8%
• Probability: 57%
• Matchup: Kentucky vs. Tennessee (6:00PM ET, Saturday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, USC +9.5 at -105 odds shows a 57% probability and a 5.8% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Saturday, 1/17/2026

As of 2:31AM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Kansas State vs. Oklahoma State	Kansas State +4.5	-102 @ FanDuel	8.0%	58.4%
Georgia State vs. Louisiana-Monroe	Georgia State -6.5	-102 @ FanDuel	7.2%	57.7%
Kansas State vs. Oklahoma State	Kansas State ML	+202 @ FanDuel	6.4%	39.6%
Purdue vs. USC	USC ML	+420 @ FanDuel	6.1%	25.3%
BYU vs. Texas Tech	BYU +3.5	-110 @ BetMGM	6.0%	58.4%
Texas A&M vs. Texas	Texas -4.5	-120 @ FanDuel	5.9%	60.4%
Kentucky vs. Tennessee	Tennessee -6.5	-106 @ FanDuel	5.9%	57.3%
Minnesota vs. Illinois	Over 142.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	5.8%	57%
Norfolk State vs. South Carolina State	Norfolk State ML	-250 @ BetMGM	5.8%	77.3%
Purdue vs. USC	USC +9.5	-105 @ FanDuel	5.8%	57%

List of upcoming men's college basketball games to bet on now

• Virginia vs. SMU (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Kentucky vs. Tennessee (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Minnesota vs. Illinois (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Connecticut vs. Georgetown (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Georgia Tech vs. North Carolina State (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Notre Dame vs. Virginia Tech (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Butler vs. Seton Hall (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Mount St. Mary's vs. Canisius (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Elon vs. Hofstra (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Duquesne vs. Fordham (12:30PM ET, Saturday)

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for January 17, 2026, featuring plays such as Kansas State +4.5 and Georgia State -6.5. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

This article, enhanced by AI and automation, aims to deliver accurate college basketball insights quickly, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are grounded in current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.

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