2026 NCAA Tournament: Printable Bracket, Predictions, and More
The 2026 NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament is set to tip off in March, and the excitement is already building. With 68 teams vying for the championship, the tournament promises plenty of thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about the 2026 NCAA Tournament, including a printable bracket, tournament history, participating teams, expert predictions, bracket challenge tips, and tournament coverage details.
Whether you’re a seasoned college basketball fan or a casual observer, this guide will help you make the most of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. So grab your printable bracket, fill it out with your predictions, and get ready for the madness to begin!
2026 NCAA Tournament Overview
The 2026 NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament is scheduled to begin on March 16, 2026, and conclude with the championship game on April 5, 2026. The tournament will feature 68 teams, including 32 automatic qualifiers from conference tournaments and 36 at-large teams selected by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee.
The tournament will be played in eight regions, with each region hosting a first and second round, a Sweet 16, an Elite Eight, and a Final Four. The first four rounds of the tournament will be played at 16 different sites, with the Final Four being played at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Printable Bracket
Our printable bracket for the 2026 NCAA Tournament is the perfect way to follow the action all the way to the Final Four. With space to fill in your predictions, you can track your picks and see how you stack up against your friends.
The bracket includes all 68 teams in the tournament, so you can follow every game from the First Four to the championship game. The bracket is also easy to print and fill out, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
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Tournament History
The NCAA Tournament, also known as March Madness, is a single-elimination tournament that determines the national champion of college basketball in the United States. It is organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and has been held annually since 1939.
The tournament is open to all Division I teams, and the field is selected by a committee of athletic directors and conference commissioners. The tournament is divided into four regions, each of which has 16 teams. The teams are seeded 1 through 16, and the top four seeds in each region receive a bye into the second round.
The tournament is played over three weekends, with the Final Four being held on the second weekend. The championship game is played on the third weekend, and the winner is awarded the NCAA Tournament trophy.
Memorable Moments and Upsets
The NCAA Tournament is known for its memorable moments and upsets. Some of the most famous upsets in tournament history include:
- 1985: Villanova, a #8 seed, defeated Georgetown, a #1 seed, in the championship game.
- 1997: Arizona, a #4 seed, defeated Kentucky, a #1 seed, in the championship game.
- 2006: George Mason, a #11 seed, reached the Final Four.
- 2014: Connecticut, a #7 seed, defeated Kentucky, a #1 seed, in the championship game.
- 2016: Villanova, a #2 seed, defeated North Carolina, a #1 seed, in the championship game.
Tournament Predictions
Expert predictions for the 2026 NCAA Tournament are already circulating, and there are some interesting storylines to watch. Gonzaga and Houston are the early favorites to win the tournament, but there are several other teams that could make a run.
One of the most intriguing teams to watch is Kansas. The Jayhawks have a lot of young talent, and they could be a dark horse to win the tournament. Another team to watch is UCLA. The Bruins have a lot of experience, and they could be a threat to win the tournament.
There are also several potential Cinderella teams that could make a run in the tournament. Saint Peter’s, a 15-seed, made a run to the Elite Eight in 2022, and there are several other teams that could do the same this year.
Here are some potential upsets to watch for in the 2026 NCAA Tournament:
* 12-seed Richmond over 5-seed Iowa
* 13-seed Chattanooga over 4-seed Arkansas
* 14-seed Montana over 3-seed Texas A&M
* 15-seed Bryant over 2-seed Auburn
These are just a few of the potential upsets that could happen in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The tournament is always full of surprises, and this year should be no different.
Bracket Challenge
Tips for filling out a bracket
Filling out a bracket for the NCAA Tournament can be a fun and exciting way to follow the action. But if you’re new to bracket challenges, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are a few tips to help you fill out a bracket that will impress your friends:
– Do your research. Before you start filling out your bracket, take some time to research the teams involved. Look at their records, their schedules, and their key players. This will give you a better idea of which teams are likely to win and which teams are likely to lose.
– Don’t be afraid to upset picks. One of the best ways to win a bracket challenge is to make some upset picks. Don’t just pick the top seeds to win every game. Take a chance on a few underdogs, and you could be rewarded.
– Fill out multiple brackets. If you’re really serious about winning a bracket challenge, fill out multiple brackets. This will give you a better chance of getting lucky and picking the right winners.
– Have fun. Bracket challenges are supposed to be fun. Don’t stress out too much about it. Just enjoy the tournament and root for your favorite teams.
Resources for finding and joining bracket challenges
There are many different ways to find and join bracket challenges. Here are a few of the most popular:
– ESPN. ESPN offers a variety of bracket challenges, including free and paid options.
– CBS Sports. CBS Sports also offers a variety of bracket challenges, including free and paid options.
– Yahoo Sports. Yahoo Sports offers a free bracket challenge that is one of the most popular in the world.
– Bleacher Report. Bleacher Report offers a free bracket challenge that is perfect for casual fans.
– Office pools. Many offices have their own bracket challenges. If your office has one, be sure to join it.
Tournament Coverage
Don’t miss a single moment of the thrilling 2026 NCAA Tournament! Here’s everything you need to know to follow the action:
The tournament will be broadcast live on several TV channels and streaming services, ensuring you can catch all the games no matter where you are. Here’s a list of the official broadcasters:
TV Channels
- CBS
- TBS
- TNT
- TruTV
Streaming Services
- NCAA March Madness Live
- Paramount+
- fuboTV
- YouTube TV
For the latest news, highlights, and updates, follow the official NCAA Tournament website and social media accounts:
FAQ Summary
What is the format of the 2026 NCAA Tournament?
The 2026 NCAA Tournament will follow the same format as previous years. The tournament will feature 68 teams, with the top 32 teams receiving automatic bids. The remaining 36 teams will earn at-large bids based on their performance during the regular season.
How can I participate in a bracket challenge?
There are many different ways to participate in a bracket challenge. You can join a challenge with friends, family, or coworkers, or you can enter a challenge hosted by a website or app. To enter a bracket challenge, you simply need to fill out a bracket with your predictions for the tournament.
Where can I find TV channels and streaming services that will broadcast the 2026 NCAA Tournament games?
The 2026 NCAA Tournament games will be broadcast on a variety of TV channels and streaming services. The full list of channels and streaming services will be announced closer to the start of the tournament.
