Ben McCollum wasn’t born under a lucky star. He grew up in Storm Lake, Iowa—a small town where basketball isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life. At 43, he’s the same age many players are when they retire, but he’s leading a team of underdogs to victories most didn’t see coming. His Iowa Hawkeyes kn
The first round of the 2026 NCAA men’s tournament has wrapped up, leaving a mix of expected victories and shocking defeats. Fans now turn their attention to the round of 32, which kicks off this Saturday and Sunday. Sports enthusiasts can catch up on Friday’s outcomes, where several underdogs man
Darryn Peterson wasn’t a sure thing when the season started. The Kansas freshman guard, expected to be a top NBA prospect, spent most of the year dealing with cramps so bad they landed him in the hospital once. That moment forced him to rethink how he treated his body, making tough calls like leavin
Florida, the top seed in the South bracket, looks strong on paper because of its big frontcourt. Yet its guard play is weak, with a low shooting percentage from beyond the arc and many turnovers. A game against Houston could be tough, because the Cougars are a top‑five team and will play close to ho
The RedHawks from Miami, Ohio, ended a 27‑year drought by defeating SMU 89-79 in the tournament’s opening round. Their star, Eian Elmer, poured in 22 points and hit six of nine from beyond the arc. Brant Byers added 19, and Luke Skaljac chipped in 17 as Miami, the only team to finish their regular s
Three of the last four national champions also won their conference, and that trend still matters for 2026. The ACC’s Duke, the Big 12’s Arizona, the Big East’s St. John’s, Purdue from the Big Ten and Arkansas of the SEC all snagged titles this season. They are often seen as safe bets for deep runs
The University of Connecticut is seen as the clear leader heading into this year’s women’s NCAA basketball tournament, with odds suggesting they could add a 13th title to their record. The betting market has set them at –265, the tightest pre‑tournament spread since 2018. This means most people thin
The NCAA tournament brackets are in and the surprises are already talking. Some schools that dominated their seasons barely made it, while a few underdogs got the nods they deserved. Miami (Ohio) finished 31‑0, but a weak schedule and a first‑round loss in the MAC tournament left its at‑large hop
This guide gives a quick, clear overview of all 68 teams in the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament. The information is grouped into short, easy‑to‑scan sections that cover each team’s strengths, weaknesses and key moments. If you’re planning a bracket, start by checking the team’s seed and conference
College basketball fans have been busy filling out their brackets since the 2026 NCAA Tournament field was announced. While no one can predict every game, careful analysis of each matchup can help fans spot potential upsets and confirm favorites. Below is a fresh look at the early rounds, organized
