2026 National Championship

Gemini 2.5 Flash Lite Bracket

Lightweight speed bracket picks

Window: Tournament Start

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GameRoundMatchupPickConfidenceRationale
mm26-e-r1-g11Duke Blue Devils vs Siena SaintsDuke Blue Devils (#1)95.0%Duke (32-2), a dominant 1-seed, faces 16-seed Siena (23-11). Duke's elite efficiency & #14 Barthag vs Siena's #187. Expect a Blue Devils victory, likely by a wide margin (95% win prob).
mm26-e-r1-g21Ohio State Buckeyes vs TCU Horned FrogsOhio State Buckeyes (#8)75.0%Ohio St. (AdjOE #12) vs. TCU (AdjDE #30). Ohio St. offense clicks, TCU defense holds. Battle of efficiency vs. stinginess. Ohio St. favored, but TCU's defense can make it a grind.
mm26-e-r1-g31St. John's Red Storm vs Northern Iowa PanthersSt. John's Red Storm (#5)92.0%St. John's #47 AdjOE & #12 AdjDE face Northern Iowa's #151 offense. The 5-seed Red Storm's superior efficiency and tough schedule point to a strong probability (92%) of advancing. Expect St. John's to control the tempo and outmatch UNI.
mm26-e-r1-g41Kansas Jayhawks vs Cal Baptist LancersKansas Jayhawks (#4)90.0%Kansas's elite defense (#14 AdjDE) is the trump card against Cal Baptist's high-scoring guard. Expect the Jayhawks to smother the Lancers, with an 88-68 projected outcome and 90% win probability.
mm26-e-r1-g51Louisville Cardinals vs South Florida BullsLouisville Cardinals (#6)80.0%Louisville (6-seed) clashes with South Florida (11-seed). The Cardinals boast a top-tier offense and stout defense, but the Bulls ride an 11-game win streak into the tournament. Can USF's momentum overcome Louisville's experience and efficiency? Louisville wins 80% of simulations.
mm26-e-r1-g61Michigan State Spartans vs North Dakota State BisonMichigan State Spartans (#3)88.0%Michigan State's elite defense (#2 AdjDE) clashes with North Dakota State's mid-major offense (#126 AdjOE). MSU's #13 power rating is vastly superior to NDSU's #130. Spartans favored to cruise. 88% win.
mm26-e-r1-g71UCLA Bruins vs UCF KnightsUCF Knights (#10)60.0%UCF's top-30 offense meets UCLA's top-70 defense. UCF's faster tempo and #19 WAB rank give them an edge, but UCLA's battle-tested schedule and defensive grit make this a coin-flip. UCF wins 77-74 (60% win prob).
mm26-e-r1-g81UConn Huskies vs Furman PaladinsUConn Huskies (#2)90.0%UConn's #4 defense & #22 offense clash with Furman's #120 defense & #205 offense. The Huskies' superior efficiency and talent should lead to a dominant win. 90% win probability.
mm26-mw-r1-g11Michigan Wolverines vs UMBC/HowardMichigan Wolverines (#1)100.0%Michigan Wolverines advances
mm26-mw-r1-g21Georgia Bulldogs vs Saint Louis BillikensSaint Louis Billikens (#9)72.0%Saint Louis' potent offense and 17-game win streak clash with Georgia's faster pace and higher SOS. SLU's superior efficiency and key player performance give them the edge. 70% win for Billikens.
mm26-mw-r1-g31Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Akron ZipsTexas Tech Red Raiders (#5)70.0%Texas Tech's elite defense (#30 AdjDE) clashes with Akron's explosive offense (#16 AdjOE). Akron's 10-game win streak is impressive, but Texas Tech's #23 ranked Barthag and tougher schedule give them the edge. Texas Tech wins 70% of simulations.
mm26-mw-r1-g41Alabama Crimson Tide vs Hofstra PrideAlabama Crimson Tide (#4)90.0%Alabama's #3 offense clashes with Hofstra's defense. With a top-20 Barthag and elite SOS, the Crimson Tide are heavily favored in this 4-13 matchup. 88% win probability.
mm26-mw-r1-g51Tennessee Volunteers vs Miami (OH)/SMUTennessee Volunteers (#6)100.0%Tennessee Volunteers advances
mm26-mw-r1-g61Virginia Cavaliers vs Wright State RaidersVirginia Cavaliers (#3)90.0%Virginia's elite defense (#20 AdjDE) meets Wright State's struggling offense (#124 AdjOE). With a #11 overall power rating, Virginia is heavily favored. Expect UVA to control the tempo and smother WSU's attack. 85% win probability.
mm26-mw-r1-g71Kentucky Wildcats vs Santa Clara BroncosSanta Clara Broncos (#10)55.0%Santa Clara's elite offense (#26 AdjOE) clashes with Kentucky's stingy defense (#33 AdjDE). With nearly identical Barthag ratings, this WCC vs. SEC battle is tight, but SC's scoring edge gives them a slight favorite status: 55% win.
mm26-mw-r1-g81Iowa State Cyclones vs Tennessee State TigersIowa State Cyclones (#2)95.0%Iowa St. (#7 Barthag, #6 AdjDE) faces TSU (#218 Barthag, #240 AdjDE). Cyclones' elite defense and high-powered offense should dominate a 15-seed with weak efficiency. 95% win probability.
mm26-s-r1-g11Florida Gators vs Prairie View A&M/LehighFlorida Gators (#1)100.0%Florida Gators advances
mm26-s-r1-g21Clemson Tigers vs Iowa HawkeyesClemson Tigers (#8)60.0%8-seed Clemson clashes with 9-seed Iowa in a battle of elite defense vs. potent offense. Clemson's stingy defense (Rank #20 AdjDE) meets Iowa's high-powered attack (Rank #29 AdjOE). Expect a tight contest, with Clemson's tougher schedule potentially giving them an edge.
mm26-s-r1-g31Vanderbilt Commodores vs McNeese CowboysVanderbilt Commodores (#5)95.0%Vanderbilt vs. McNeese St. Vandy's elite offense (#3 AdjOE) & defense (#9 AdjDE) clash with McNeese's modest ratings. Expect Vanderbilt's superior efficiency and talent to dominate. 95% win.
mm26-s-r1-g41Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Troy TrojansNebraska Cornhuskers (#4)95.0%Nebraska's elite defense (#16 AdjDE) meets Troy's struggling offense (#100 AdjOE). Expect a commanding performance from the Cornhuskers, fueled by superior efficiency and a significantly tougher schedule. 95% win probability.
mm26-s-r1-g51North Carolina Tar Heels vs VCU RamsNorth Carolina Tar Heels (#6)73.0%North Carolina's elite defense (32nd AdjDE) and efficiency (41st AdjOE) meet VCU's hot streak. UNC holds a significant power rating edge (#28 vs #64). Can VCU's A10 dominance overcome the Tar Heels' tested strength? 73% win probability for UNC.
mm26-s-r1-g61Illinois Fighting Illini vs Penn QuakersIllinois Fighting Illini (#3)95.0%Illinois (3-seed) boasts elite offense (Rank #2) and a top-25 defense. Penn (14-seed) struggles offensively but has played tough opponents. Expect Illinois to dominate, carrying a ~95% win probability.
mm26-s-r1-g71Saint Mary's Gaels vs Texas A&M AggiesSaint Mary's Gaels (#7)78.0%Saint Mary's (#27 AdjOE) clashes with Texas A&M's (#52 AdjOE) up-tempo attack. Gaels' superior efficiency and SOS face Aggies' battle-tested, faster style. 78% win for SMC.
mm26-s-r1-g81Houston Cougars vs Idaho VandalsHouston Cougars (#2)90.0%Houston's elite defense (#5 AdjDE) and #5 power rating face Idaho's below-average efficiencies. Houston heavily favored to win 85-65, with a 90% win probability.
mm26-w-r1-g11Arizona Wildcats vs LIU SharksArizona Wildcats (#1)97.0%Arizona's #1 seed dominance (#2 Bartgag, 32-2) clashes with LIU (#222 Bartgag, 24-10). Arizona's elite offense (#8 AdjOE) and defense (#3 AdjDE) are overwhelming favorites. Expect Arizona to cruise, likely winning by 30+.
mm26-w-r1-g21Villanova Wildcats vs Utah State AggiesUtah State Aggies (#9)70.0%Utah St.'s elite offense (#10 AdjOE) clashes with Villanova's defense (#62 AdjDE). Aggies surging after MWC title, Wildcats aim to slow pace. Utah St. favored to advance. 70% win.
mm26-w-r1-g31Wisconsin Badgers vs High Point PanthersWisconsin Badgers (#5)85.0%Wisconsin's elite defense and battle-tested schedule clash with High Point's potent offense. Can the Panthers' firepower overcome the Badgers' experience? Wisconsin favored 85% win.
mm26-w-r1-g41Arkansas Razorbacks vs Hawaii Rainbow WarriorsArkansas Razorbacks (#4)88.0%Arkansas's high-powered offense (#12 AdjOE) meets Hawaii's suffocating defense (#11 AdjDE). Can the Rainbow Warriors slow down the Razorbacks? Arkansas favored at 88% win probability.
mm26-w-r1-g51BYU Cougars vs Texas/NC StateBYU Cougars (#6)100.0%BYU Cougars advances
mm26-w-r1-g61Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Kennesaw State OwlsGonzaga Bulldogs (#3)95.0%Gonzaga (30-3) vs Kennesaw St (18-13). Gonzaga's elite offense (#14 O) and defense (#12 D) clashes with Kennesaw's struggles (#171 O, #196 D). Expect Bulldogs dominance. 95% win prob.
mm26-w-r1-g71Miami (FL) Hurricanes vs Missouri TigersMiami (FL) Hurricanes (#7)75.0%Miami FL (7-seed) boasts a strong 25-8 record and elite efficiency. Missouri (10-seed) struggles defensively, making Miami's balanced attack the likely decider in a ~75% win scenario.
mm26-w-r1-g81Purdue Boilermakers vs Queens University RoyalsPurdue Boilermakers (#2)95.0%Purdue's #2 offense meets Queens' #344 defense. The #6 Barthag-rated Boilermakers are heavy favorites, but Queens is hot off a conference title. Can they pull off the upset? 95% win prob.
mm26-e-r2-g12Duke Blue Devils vs Ohio State BuckeyesDuke Blue Devils (#1)89.0%Duke (rank #20 AdjOE, #21 AdjDE) faces Ohio State (rank #42 AdjOE, #83 AdjDE). Duke's dominant offense meets OSU's struggling defense. Duke's superior efficiency and 32-2 record give them an overwhelming edge. 89% win.
mm26-e-r2-g22St. John's Red Storm vs Kansas JayhawksKansas Jayhawks (#4)65.0%Kansas's elite defense meets St. John's potent offense. Kansas's battle-tested schedule and defensive edge give them a slight advantage in a matchup that could go either way. 65% win for Kansas.
mm26-e-r2-g32Louisville Cardinals vs Michigan State SpartansMichigan State Spartans (#3)78.0%MSU's elite defense (#2 AdjDE) meets Louisville's top offense (#11 AdjOE). MSU's slight edge in rankings & SOS, plus a strong 78% win probability, suggests they'll grind out a win. Louisville 75 pts.
mm26-e-r2-g42UCF Knights vs UConn HuskiesUConn Huskies (#2)92.0%UConn's top-10 defense (#11 AdjDE) clashes with UCF's #40 offense. Huskies' superior efficiency (Rank #9 Barthag) and dominant record (29-5) make them heavy favorites against UCF (21-11). 92% win probability for UConn.
mm26-mw-r2-g12Michigan Wolverines vs Saint Louis BillikensMichigan Wolverines (#1)88.0%Michigan Wolverines (#2 ranked Barthag, #4 AdjOE, #2 AdjDE) face Saint Louis Billikens (#43 Barthag, #59 AdjDE). Expect Michigan's elite defense to dominate, leading to an 88% win probability for the Wolverines.
mm26-mw-r2-g22Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Alabama Crimson TideAlabama Crimson Tide (#4)72.0%Alabama's #1 offense (133.0 AdjOE) vs. Texas Tech's #30 defense (99.3 AdjDE). Can the Crimson Tide's firepower prevail? Alabama favored 72% win.
mm26-mw-r2-g32Tennessee Volunteers vs Virginia CavaliersVirginia Cavaliers (#3)75.0%Virginia's elite offense (#13 AdjOE) clashes with Tennessee Volunteers' elite defense (#13 AdjDE). UVA's higher power rating (#11 vs #15) and slightly faster tempo give them an edge, but Tennessee's battle-tested schedule and close-loss resilience make this a toss-up. UVA wins 72%.
mm26-mw-r2-g42Santa Clara Broncos vs Iowa State CyclonesIowa State Cyclones (#2)88.0%Iowa State's elite defense (#6 AdjDE) clashes with Santa Clara's potent offense (#15 AdjOE). Can the Broncos' offense find answers against the Cyclones' suffocating pressure? Iowa State wins ~88% of simulations.
mm26-s-r2-g12Florida Gators vs Clemson TigersFlorida Gators (#1)85.0%Florida's #3 defense aims to smother Clemson's #69 offense. The #4 Gators (.9771 Barthag) leverage superior efficiency and SOS against Clemson's gritty, slow-paced style. Can Clemson's 7 close-win experience defy the odds? 85% win for Florida.
mm26-s-r2-g22Vanderbilt Commodores vs Nebraska CornhuskersVanderbilt Commodores (#5)78.0%Elite offense meets stout defense as #3 AdjOE Vanderbilt (#3 Barthag) clashes with #16 AdjDE Nebraska. Commodores' statistical edge points to a 78% win probability in this South Region showdown.
mm26-s-r2-g32North Carolina Tar Heels vs Illinois Fighting IlliniIllinois Fighting Illini (#3)88.0%Illinois's elite offense (#4 AdjOE) clashes with UNC's solid defense (#32 AdjDE) in a battle of contrasting strengths. The #7 ranked Illini are favored heavily against the #28 Tar Heels, boasting superior efficiency and SOS, but UNC's experience in close games could make it tight. Illinois 72% win.
mm26-s-r2-g42Saint Mary's Gaels vs Houston CougarsHouston Cougars (#2)90.0%Houston's elite defense (#5 AdjDE) meets Saint Mary's potent offense (#27 AdjOE). With a significant edge in power rating and quality wins, the Cougars are favored. Can the Gaels' offense break through? Houston wins, 72% probability.
mm26-w-r2-g12Arizona Wildcats vs Utah State AggiesArizona Wildcats (#1)85.0%Arizona (Rank #2 Barthag) faces Utah St (Rank #24 Barthag). Arizona boasts elite offense (Rank #8 AdjOE) and defense (Rank #3 AdjDE), while Utah St matches offensively (Rank #10 AdjOE) but lags defensively (Rank #55 AdjDE). Arizona's superior strength of schedule and WAB suggest an 85% win probability.
mm26-w-r2-g22Wisconsin Badgers vs Arkansas RazorbacksArkansas Razorbacks (#4)78.0%Arkansas' explosive offense meets Wisconsin's stout defense. Razorbacks' top-ranked offense and recent tournament momentum give them the edge in a pace-driven matchup. 78% win for Arkansas.
mm26-w-r2-g32BYU Cougars vs Gonzaga BulldogsGonzaga Bulldogs (#3)88.0%Gonzaga's elite offense and defense (#14/#12) clash with BYU's potent attack (#17) and solid defense (#26). Gonzaga's superior recent form and higher Barthag rating give them an edge. 88% win probability for the Bulldogs.
mm26-w-r2-g42Miami (FL) Hurricanes vs Purdue BoilermakersPurdue Boilermakers (#2)80.0%Purdue's #1 offense meets Miami's #45 defense. Purdue's dominant #8 Barthag rating and elite efficiency are tough to overcome for a 7-seed. Purdue wins 80% of quality games. Purdue favored.
mm26-e-r3-g13Duke Blue Devils vs Kansas JayhawksKansas Jayhawks (#4)78.0%Top-seeded Duke's elite efficiency clashes with Kansas's tough defense in a rematch of an earlier neutral-site game. Can the Jayhawks' strengths overcome Duke's depth and stellar record? Duke favored at 78% win probability.
mm26-e-r3-g23Michigan State Spartans vs UConn HuskiesUConn Huskies (#2)78.0%UConn's offensive juggernaut (#22 AdjOE) meets Michigan State's suffocating defense (#2 AdjDE) in a clash of titans. While the Spartans boast elite defense, the Huskies' balanced attack and slightly superior metrics give them the edge. UConn favored ~78%.
mm26-mw-r3-g13Michigan Wolverines vs Alabama Crimson TideMichigan Wolverines (#1)88.0%Michigan's #1 defense clashes with Alabama's #1 offense! Michigan's elite efficiency and battle-tested schedule give them an edge, but Alabama's offensive firepower could make this an upset special. Michigan wins 88% of the time.
mm26-mw-r3-g23Virginia Cavaliers vs Iowa State CyclonesIowa State Cyclones (#2)78.0%Iowa State's elite #6 defense meets Virginia's #13 offense in a #2 vs #3 seed clash. ISU's #4 Barthag rating edges UVA's #11, suggesting a slight advantage for the Cyclones. Expect a tight game decided by defensive execution. 65% win probability for Iowa St.
mm26-s-r3-g13Florida Gators vs Vanderbilt CommodoresVanderbilt Commodores (#5)85.0%Vanderbilt's elite offense (#3 AdjOE) clashes with Florida's stingy defense (#8 AdjDE). Vandy won their last matchup 91-74. Can the Gators' defense stifle the Commodores' top-tier attack? Vandy favored to advance.
mm26-s-r3-g23Illinois Fighting Illini vs Houston CougarsHouston Cougars (#2)65.0%Elite offense vs. elite defense. Houston's #5 AdjDE faces Illinois' #4 AdjOE. Houston's tougher schedule and higher power rating give them a slight edge in this 2-seed vs 3-seed clash. ~65% win probability for Houston.
mm26-w-r3-g13Arizona Wildcats vs Arkansas RazorbacksArizona Wildcats (#1)85.0%Top-ranked Arizona (8th Offense, 3rd Defense) clashes with Arkansas (12th Offense, 87th Defense) led by Darius Acuff Jr. (22.9 PPG). Arizona's suffocating defense is the X-factor, giving them an estimated 75% win probability.
mm26-w-r3-g23Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Purdue BoilermakersPurdue Boilermakers (#2)78.0%Purdue's #1 offense meets Gonzaga's elite defense in a clash of styles. Purdue's sheer offensive firepower (132.5 AdjOE) and top-10 Barthag rating give them an edge, but Gonzaga's stingy defense (93.9 AdjDE) and faster tempo could create an upset. 78% win probability for Purdue.
mm26-e-r4-g14Kansas Jayhawks vs UConn HuskiesUConn Huskies (#2)75.0%Kansas (45 O, 14 D) faces #5 UConn (22 O, 4 D). UConn's elite defense and superior rankings are formidable. Kansas's tougher schedule is their edge. UConn heavily favored, 75% win.
mm26-mw-r4-g14Michigan Wolverines vs Iowa State CyclonesMichigan Wolverines (#1)85.0%Top-ranked Michigan (#1 Barthag) clashes with #4 Iowa State. Michigan's #1 defense meets Iowa State's potent offense. Can the Cyclones overcome the Wolverines' dominance? 85% win probability for Michigan.
mm26-s-r4-g14Vanderbilt Commodores vs Houston CougarsHouston Cougars (#2)78.0%Vanderbilt (11th Off, 28th Def) clashes with #5 Houston (14th Off, 5th Def). Houston's elite defense and #5 overall rating face Vanderbilt's balanced attack in a crucial 5-seed vs 2-seed matchup. Houston wins 78% of simulations.
mm26-w-r4-g14Arizona Wildcats vs Purdue BoilermakersArizona Wildcats (#1)85.0%Elite defense vs. elite offense! Arizona's #3 AdjDE and #2 Barthag face Purdue's #2 AdjOE. Arizona's 32-2 record and just 2 losses give them the edge in this 72% win probability matchup.
mm26-ff-g15UConn Huskies vs Arizona WildcatsArizona Wildcats (#1)78.0%Arizona's elite offense clashes with UConn's top-tier defense in a battle of titans. Can the Wildcats' high-octane attack overcome the Huskies' stifling D? Arizona favored 78% win.
mm26-ff-g25Houston Cougars vs Michigan WolverinesMichigan Wolverines (#1)85.0%Michigan (#1 Barthag, #5 AdjOE) faces Houston (#8 Barthag, #5 AdjDE). Michigan's lightning-fast pace (73.9) and offensive firepower meet Houston's suffocating defense. Can the Cougars slow down the Wolverines? Michigan wins 85% of simulations.
mm26-championship6Arizona Wildcats vs Michigan WolverinesMichigan Wolverines (#1)72.0%Michigan's #2 defense and #4 offense clash with Arizona's #4 defense and #9 offense. Michigan boasts a slightly higher power rating and SOS. This #1 vs #1 seed matchup is razor-thin, but Michigan's edge in efficiency and strength of schedule gives them a slight edge. Michigan 72% win.