2026 College Hockey Championship Odds – Gavin McKenna Commits to Penn State

• Gavin McKenna committed to Penn State Tuesday night, shifting the 2026 college hockey championship odds
• Penn State opened is listed as +400 favorites at DraftKings following the announcement
• Read below for full 2026 college hockey betting odds following McKenna’s PSU commitment

The 2026 college hockey championship race took a major turn Tuesday night. Gavin McKenna, widely considered the best junior player in Canada, announced his commitment to Penn State on ESPN.

Oddsmakers wasted no time adjusting their numbers. DraftKings installed Penn State as the +400 favorite to win the 2026 NCAA Hockey Championship, with several traditional powers trailing behind.

Let’s check out how McKenna’s decision shakes things up for betting on the college hockey championship.

2026 College Hockey Championship Odds

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Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of July 8, 2025.

Penn State Lands Game-Changing Talent

McKenna represents the biggest recruiting win in Penn State hockey history. The 17-year-old forward posted 129 points in 56 games last season with Medicine Hat, numbers that exceeded Connor McDavid’s production at the same age.

His credentials speak for themselves. McKenna won CHL Player of the Year honors, joining previous winners like McDavid, Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux. He also set a CHL record with a 54-game point streak that carried from the regular season into the playoffs.

The Whitehorse, Yukon native chose Penn State after visiting Michigan State and Denver. The Spartans were considered the favorite until late in the recruiting process, but Guy Gadowsky’s program sealed the deal.

Penn State already secured commitments from Jackson Smith (Columbus first-round pick) and forward Luke Misa. Combined with McKenna, the Nittany Lions have assembled a roster capable of competing for their first national championship.

Michigan State Returns Elite Core

Despite missing on McKenna, Michigan State remains a serious contender at +800. The Spartans bring back arguably the best returning player in college hockey.

Isaac Howard shocked the hockey world by turning down the Tampa Bay Lightning to return for another season. The dynamic forward recorded 52 points last year and should contend for the Hobey Baker Award again in 2026.

Trey Augustine also chose to delay his professional career, giving Michigan State an elite netminder. The Spartans added depth through the transfer portal, landing St. Cloud State’s Colin Ralph.

Adam Nightingale’s squad dominated much of last season before an early tournament exit. With their core intact, Michigan State has the talent to make a championship run.

Terriers Bring Back Championship Game Experience

Boston University matched Michigan State’s +800 odds after reaching last year’s title game. Jay Pandolfo’s team returns virtually its entire roster from that runner-up squad.

Cole Eiserman emerged as one of college hockey’s premier goal scorers, netting 25 as a freshman. With increased ice time and confidence, he could challenge for 35-40 goals next season.

Cole Hutson provides elite production from the blue line after leading all defensemen with 48 points. Mikhail Yegorov proved himself in the tournament and gives BU stability in net.

The Terriers played an exciting brand of hockey that carried them deep into March. With another year of experience, they’re positioned to take the final step.

Defending Champions Face History

Western Michigan captured their first national championship last season but opened at +1800 to repeat. The odds reflect a simple reality: no team has won back-to-back titles since Denver in 2004-05.

The Broncos return key pieces including Frozen Four MVP Owen Michaels and goaltender Hampton Slukynsky. That’s a strong foundation for another tournament run.

However, Western Michigan loses several contributors from their championship roster. They’ll also carry a target throughout the season as defending champions. The combination of factors explains their longer odds.

Early 2026 College Hockey Predictions

McKenna instantly lifts Penn State into the top tier, and their +400 odds show that. But with the season still months away, there’s not much value in that number unless you really believe he’ll dominate out of the gate.

Michigan State at +800 might be the smartest play. They’ve got top-end talent in Howard and Augustine, plus a hunger to bounce back from last year’s early exit.

Boston University offers similar appeal at +800. They were minutes from a championship last year and return their entire core. The experience gained from that run could prove invaluable.

If you want longer odds, consider Western Michigan at +1800. Even though history is against them, getting back a championship-level goalie and your best scorer at 18-to-1 presents stellar value.

The 2026 Frozen Four heads to Las Vegas, an fitting destination for what shapes up as college hockey’s most competitive season in years. McKenna’s decision to go to Penn State makes the championship race a must-watch during a busy time in the sports calendar.