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Sweet 16 predictions: Experts pick who will advance in March Madness bracket
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- Sweet 16 predictions: Experts pick who will advance in March Madness bracket
How's your bracket looking?
Probably not so bad if you picked all the favorites.
But there were a few surprises in the Men's NCAA Tournament first two rounds, the biggest being No. 9 Iowa taking down defending champion Florida.
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That result means we won't get a second straight Final Four with all No. 1 seeds. So who will reach Indianapolis? First things first, who will in this week's Sweet 16 ?
March Madness predictions redo: Revised Final Four picks ahead of Sweet 16
How'd we do? Grading our brackets: Revisiting our March Madness predictions
USA TODAY Sports staff made their picks. Check them out below:
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) celebrates after a play against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) celebrates after defeating the Florida Gators in a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) celebrates after defeating the Florida Gators in a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
Tavion Banks #6 of the Iowa Hawkeyes dunks the ball against Alex Condon #21 of the Florida Gators during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
(Mike Carlson, Getty Images)
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Kael Combs (11) celebrates after defeating the Florida Gators in a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
Alvaro Folgueiras #7 of the Iowa Hawkeyes attempts a three point basket against the Florida Gators with under five seconds left during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
(Mike Carlson, Getty Images)
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) makes a go-ahead three-point basket against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
Alvaro Folgueiras #7 of the Iowa Hawkeyes attempts a three point basket against the Florida Gators with under five seconds left during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
(Mike Carlson, Getty Images)
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) makes a go-ahead three-point basket against the Florida Gators late in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz (14) dribbles the ball against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz (14) shoots against the Florida Gators in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) holds his follow through on a shot against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) and Iowa Hawkeyes guard Kael Combs (11) celebrate after a play against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) celebrates after a play against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) celebrates after a play against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) high-fives Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cam Manyawu (3) against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) is seen against the Florida Gators in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
Florida Gators guard Isaiah Brown (20) dunks the ball past Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) makes a go-ahead three-point basket against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) makes a go-ahead three-point basket against the Florida Gators late in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) reacts after a play against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
Florida Gators guard Xaivian Lee (1) passes the ball around Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) in the final seconds as Florida Gators was unable to get a shot off in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
Florida Gators forward Alex Condon (21) reacts after losing to the Iowa Hawkeyes in a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
Alex Condon #21 of the Florida Gators reacts after being defeated by the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
(Mike Carlson, Getty Images)
Thomas Haugh #10 of the Florida Gators reacts after being defeated by the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
(Mike Carlson, Getty Images)
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Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) celebrates after a play against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
1
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) celebrates after a play against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
2
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) celebrates after defeating the Florida Gators in a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
3
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) celebrates after defeating the Florida Gators in a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
4
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Tavion Banks #6 of the Iowa Hawkeyes dunks the ball against Alex Condon #21 of the Florida Gators during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
(Mike Carlson, Getty Images)
5
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Kael Combs (11) celebrates after defeating the Florida Gators in a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
6
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Alvaro Folgueiras #7 of the Iowa Hawkeyes attempts a three point basket against the Florida Gators with under five seconds left during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
(Mike Carlson, Getty Images)
7
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) makes a go-ahead three-point basket against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
8
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Alvaro Folgueiras #7 of the Iowa Hawkeyes attempts a three point basket against the Florida Gators with under five seconds left during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
(Mike Carlson, Getty Images)
9
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) makes a go-ahead three-point basket against the Florida Gators late in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
10
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz (14) dribbles the ball against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
11
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz (14) shoots against the Florida Gators in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
12
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) holds his follow through on a shot against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
13
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) and Iowa Hawkeyes guard Kael Combs (11) celebrate after a play against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
14
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) celebrates after a play against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
15
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) celebrates after a play against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
16
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) high-fives Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cam Manyawu (3) against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
17
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) is seen against the Florida Gators in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
18
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Florida Gators guard Isaiah Brown (20) dunks the ball past Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
19
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) makes a go-ahead three-point basket against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
20
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) makes a go-ahead three-point basket against the Florida Gators late in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
21
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) reacts after a play against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
22
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Florida Gators guard Xaivian Lee (1) passes the ball around Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) in the final seconds as Florida Gators was unable to get a shot off in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
23
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Florida Gators forward Alex Condon (21) reacts after losing to the Iowa Hawkeyes in a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
(Matt Pendleton, Imagn Images)
24
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Alex Condon #21 of the Florida Gators reacts after being defeated by the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
(Mike Carlson, Getty Images)
25
/25
Iowa shocks Florida with statement NCAA tournament upset
Thomas Haugh #10 of the Florida Gators reacts after being defeated by the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
(Mike Carlson, Getty Images)
SOUTH REGION (in Houston)
Nebraska vs Iowa prediction
No. 4 Nebraska vs. No. 9 Iowa, 7:30 p.m. (TBS/truTV )
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Blake Toppmeyer:Nebraska
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Paul Myerberg:Nebraska
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Jordan Mendoza:Nebraska
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John Brice:Nebraska
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Matt Glenesk:Nebraska
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Craig Meyer:Iowa
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John Leuzzi:Nebraska
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Austin Curtright:Iowa
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Ehsan Kassim:Nebraska
Houston vs Illinois prediction
No. 2 Houston vs. No. 3 Illinois, 10:05 p.m. (TBS/truTV )
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Blake Toppmeyer:Houston
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Paul Myerberg:Houston
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Jordan Mendoza:Houston
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John Brice:Houston
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Matt Glenesk:Houston
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Craig Meyer:Houston
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John Leuzzi:Illinois
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Austin Curtright:Houston
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Ehsan Kassim:Illinois
WEST REGION (at San Jose)
Purdue vs Texas prediction
No. 2 Purdue vs. No. 11 Texas, 7:10 p.m. (CBS)
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Blake Toppmeyer:Purdue
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Paul Myerberg:Purdue
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Jordan Mendoza:Purdue
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John Brice:Purdue
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Matt Glenesk:Purdue
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Craig Meyer:Purdue
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John Leuzzi:Purdue
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Austin Curtright:Purdue
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Ehsan Kassim:Texas
Arkansas vs Arizona prediction
No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 4 Arkansas, 9:45 p.m. (CBS)
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Blake Toppmeyer:Arizona
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Paul Myerberg:Arizona
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Jordan Mendoza:Arizona
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John Brice:Arizona
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Matt Glenesk:Arkansas
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Craig Meyer:Arkansas
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John Leuzzi:Arizona
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Austin Curtright:Arizona
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Ehsan Kassim:Arkansas
Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
Kansas Jayhawks cheerleaders perform before a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the St. John's Red Storm at Viejas Arena on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, Calif.
(Denis Poroy, Imagn Images)
Nebraska's Berke Buyuktuncel celebrates with fans following a second-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between Nebraska Cornhuskers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on March 21, 2026.
Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleaders in the second half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
VCU Rams fans react after a 3-pointer by Terrence Hill Jr. #6 of the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Howard Bison cheerleaders perform during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Michigan Wolverines at Keybank Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
BYU Cougars cheerleader in the second half against the Texas Longhorns during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
Former North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams is seen in the crowd against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Mar 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Texas A&M Aggies cheerleaders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
Texas Longhorns band in the first half against the BYU Cougars during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
St. John's Red Storm mascot Johnny Thunder mixes with players prior to taking the court during practice day ahead of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 19, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
The High Point Panthers fans cheer during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Imagn Images)
The High Point Panthers cheerleaders react during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
The North Dakota State Bison mascot and cheerleaders pose for a photo before the game against the Michigan State Spartans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)
Nebraska Cornhuskers fans cheer after defeating the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)
The Wisconsin Badgers mascot performs during a time out during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
A view of Buddy the Street Dog as Queens University of Charlotte Royals guard Yoav Berman talks to the media during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center in St. Louis on March 19, 2026.
(Jeff Le, Imagn Images)
The High Point Panthers band performs prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
High Point Panthers fans cheer prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
The Wisconsin Badgers cheerleaders preform during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
The South Florida Bulls mascot performs during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleaders perform in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
The Troy Trojans mascot dances on the floor during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, William Purnell-Imagn Images)
The UCF Knights band performs during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 19, 2026 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)
Nebraska Cornhuskers cheerleaders perform during the second half against the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
A Wisconsin Badgers cheerleader performs during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
The Ohio State Buckeyes cheerleaders perform in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Akron Zips fans in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleaders in the first half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Santa Clara Broncos fans react to game play against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St. Louis, MO.
(Jeff Le, Jeff Le-Imagn Images)
Akron Zips cheerleaders and mascot in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Wright State Raiders fans celebrate after a Wright State Raiders guard TJ Burch (22) scores during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA.
(Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
Hofstra Pride cheerleaders in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Garth Noble of the Louisville pep band is amped at the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness basketball tournament at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Kentucky. March 21, 2026.
(Matt Stone/Courier Journal)
Michigan head coach Dusty May high-fives players after 95-72 win over Saint Louis at the NCAA Tournament Second Round at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY NETWORK)
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish band and spirit squad cheer during the first round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament against the Fairfield Stags at Ohio State's Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 21, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
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Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
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Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
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Kansas Jayhawks cheerleaders perform before a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the St. John's Red Storm at Viejas Arena on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, Calif.
(Denis Poroy, Imagn Images)
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Nebraska's Berke Buyuktuncel celebrates with fans following a second-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between Nebraska Cornhuskers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on March 21, 2026.
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Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleaders in the second half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
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VCU Rams fans react after a 3-pointer by Terrence Hill Jr. #6 of the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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Howard Bison cheerleaders perform during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Michigan Wolverines at Keybank Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
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BYU Cougars cheerleader in the second half against the Texas Longhorns during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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Former North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams is seen in the crowd against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Mar 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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Texas A&M Aggies cheerleaders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
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Texas Longhorns band in the first half against the BYU Cougars during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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St. John's Red Storm mascot Johnny Thunder mixes with players prior to taking the court during practice day ahead of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 19, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
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The High Point Panthers fans cheer during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Imagn Images)
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The High Point Panthers cheerleaders react during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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The North Dakota State Bison mascot and cheerleaders pose for a photo before the game against the Michigan State Spartans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)
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Nebraska Cornhuskers fans cheer after defeating the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)
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The Wisconsin Badgers mascot performs during a time out during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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A view of Buddy the Street Dog as Queens University of Charlotte Royals guard Yoav Berman talks to the media during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center in St. Louis on March 19, 2026.
(Jeff Le, Imagn Images)
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The High Point Panthers band performs prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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High Point Panthers fans cheer prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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The Wisconsin Badgers cheerleaders preform during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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The South Florida Bulls mascot performs during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
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The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleaders perform in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
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The Troy Trojans mascot dances on the floor during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, William Purnell-Imagn Images)
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The UCF Knights band performs during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 19, 2026 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)
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Nebraska Cornhuskers cheerleaders perform during the second half against the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
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A Wisconsin Badgers cheerleader performs during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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The Ohio State Buckeyes cheerleaders perform in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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Akron Zips fans in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
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Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleaders in the first half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
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Santa Clara Broncos fans react to game play against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St. Louis, MO.
(Jeff Le, Jeff Le-Imagn Images)
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Akron Zips cheerleaders and mascot in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
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Wright State Raiders fans celebrate after a Wright State Raiders guard TJ Burch (22) scores during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA.
(Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
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Hofstra Pride cheerleaders in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
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Garth Noble of the Louisville pep band is amped at the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness basketball tournament at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Kentucky. March 21, 2026.
(Matt Stone/Courier Journal)
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Michigan head coach Dusty May high-fives players after 95-72 win over Saint Louis at the NCAA Tournament Second Round at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY NETWORK)
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish band and spirit squad cheer during the first round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament against the Fairfield Stags at Ohio State's Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 21, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
MIDWEST REGION (in Chicago)
Michigan vs Alabama prediction
No 4 Alabama vs. No. 1 Michigan 7:35 p.m. (TBS/truTV )
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Blake Toppmeyer:Michigan
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Paul Myerberg:Michigan
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Jordan Mendoza:Michigan
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John Brice:Michigan
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Matt Glenesk:Michigan
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Craig Meyer:Michigan
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John Leuzzi:Michigan
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Austin Curtright:Michigan
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Ehsan Kassim:Alabama
Iowa State vs Tennessee prediction
No. 2 Iowa State vs. No. 6 Tennessee, 10:10 p.m. (TBS/truTV)
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Blake Toppmeyer:Tennessee
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Paul Myerberg:Iowa State
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Jordan Mendoza:Iowa State
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John Brice:Iowa State
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Matt Glenesk:Tennessee
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Craig Meyer:Tennessee
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John Leuzzi:Iowa State
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Austin Curtright:Iowa State
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Ehsan Kassim:Tennessee
EAST REGION (at Washington D.C.)
Duke vs St. John's prediction
No. 1 Duke vs. No. 5 St. John's, 7:10 p.m. (CBS)
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Blake Toppmeyer:Duke
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Paul Myerberg:St. John's
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Jordan Mendoza:Duke
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John Brice:Duke
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Matt Glenesk:St. John's
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Craig Meyer:Duke
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John Leuzzi:Duke
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Austin Curtright:Duke
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Ehsan Kassim:Duke
Michigan State vs UConn prediction
No. 2 UConn vs. No. 3 Michigan State, 9:45 p.m. (CBS)
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Blake Toppmeyer:Michigan State
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Paul Myerberg:Michigan State
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Jordan Mendoza:Michigan State
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John Brice:Michigan State
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Matt Glenesk:Michigan State
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Craig Meyer:UConn
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Austin Curtright:Michigan State
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Ehsan Kassim:UConn
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John Leuzzi:UConn
Sweet 16 schedule: Game tip times, dates
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
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7:10 p.m.:No. 2 Purdue vs. No. 11 Texas (West), CBS
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7:30 p.m.:No. 4 Nebraska vs. No. 9 Iowa (South), TBS/truTV
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9:45 p.m.:No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 4 Arkansas (West), CBS
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10:05 p.m.:No. 2 Houston vs. No. 3 Illinois (South), TBS/truTV
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
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7:10 p.m.:No. 1 Duke vs. No. 5 St. John's (East), CBS
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7:35 p.m.:No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 4 Alabama (Midwest), TBS/truTV
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9:45 p.m.:No. 2 UConn vs. No. 3 Michigan State (East), CBS
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10:10 p.m.:No. 2 Iowa State vs. No. 6 Tennessee (Midwest), TBS/truTV
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March Madness predictions: Sweet 16 expert picks for NCAA bracket
