2026 National Championship

Gemini 2.5 Flash Bracket

Fast and efficient bracket analysis

Window: Tournament Start

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GameRoundMatchupPickConfidenceRationale
mm26-e-r1-g11Duke Blue Devils vs Siena SaintsDuke Blue Devils (#1)98.0%Duke, the #1 seed, boasts an elite offense (AdjOE 128.1, #5) and stifling defense (AdjDE 90.4, #1) for a 98% win probability. Siena, despite winning its conference, faces a monumental challenge with significantly lower efficiency ratings across the board.
mm26-e-r1-g21Ohio State Buckeyes vs TCU Horned FrogsOhio State Buckeyes (#8)75.0%Ohio St.'s potent offense (12th AdjOE) and high eFG% face TCU's disruptive defense (30th AdjDE) and turnover-forcing ability. The Buckeyes' superior overall efficiency gives them a 75% win probability despite TCU's strong defensive metrics.
mm26-e-r1-g31St. John's Red Storm vs Northern Iowa PanthersSt. John's Red Storm (#5)85.0%St. John's, a dominant force with an 85% win probability, rolls into the tournament on an 8-game win streak, boasting elite defense (#12 AdjDE) and a high-octane offense ready to run circles around Northern Iowa.
mm26-e-r1-g41Kansas Jayhawks vs Cal Baptist LancersKansas Jayhawks (#4)85.0%Kansas's elite defense (#10 AdjDE) and deeper roster face Cal Baptist's high-usage scorer, Dominique Daniels Jr., and strong offensive rebounding. Despite recent stumbles, KU's strength of schedule and overall efficiency predict an 85% win probability.
mm26-e-r1-g51Louisville Cardinals vs South Florida BullsLouisville Cardinals (#6)68.0%Louisville brings elite efficiency and a battle-tested resume into this matchup with a 68% win probability. But don't sleep on South Florida's hot streak and ability to force turnovers, making this a classic 6-11 upset threat.
mm26-e-r1-g61Michigan State Spartans vs North Dakota State BisonMichigan State Spartans (#3)88.0%Michigan St. brings elite defense (#16 AdjDE) and a top-30 offense (#28 AdjOE) to face a hot North Dakota St. squad. Can the Bison's 9-game win streak overcome the Spartans' significant statistical advantage and battle-tested schedule? 88% win.
mm26-e-r1-g71UCLA Bruins vs UCF KnightsUCLA Bruins (#7)70.0%UCLA's balanced attack and superior efficiency ratings give them a clear edge over UCF. With better shooting, fewer turnovers, and recent momentum, UCLA is favored to win 70% of the time.
mm26-e-r1-g81UConn Huskies vs Furman PaladinsUConn Huskies (#2)97.0%Connecticut, a dominant force with elite offensive and defensive efficiency, enters the tournament as a heavy favorite. Their high-powered attack and stout defense are a tough challenge for Furman, despite the Paladins' recent win streak. Expect UConn to win with ~97% probability.
mm26-mw-r1-g11Michigan Wolverines vs UMBC/HowardMichigan Wolverines (#1)100.0%Michigan Wolverines advances
mm26-mw-r1-g21Georgia Bulldogs vs Saint Louis BillikensGeorgia Bulldogs (#8)61.0%Georgia's balanced attack and tougher schedule give them an edge, but Saint Louis's elite shooting efficiency poses a major threat. With a 61% win probability, expect a tight contest where Georgia's ability to force turnovers and control the pace will be crucial.
mm26-mw-r1-g31Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Akron ZipsTexas Tech Red Raiders (#5)85.0%Texas Tech rolls into March Madness with a 78% win probability. Their elite offense and stingy defense, honed by a brutal schedule, should overcome Akron's strong shooting and recent hot streak. Expect an efficient Texas Tech performance.
mm26-mw-r1-g41Alabama Crimson Tide vs Hofstra PrideAlabama Crimson Tide (#4)88.0%Alabama's elite offense (#3 AdjOE, 55.4% eFG) clashes with Hofstra's slower pace and decent defense. Can Hofstra slow them down? Unlikely. Alabama wins this 88% of the time. Expect a high-scoring affair that favors the Crimson Tide.
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)92.0%Virginia, a dominant 3-seed, boasts a suffocating defense (AdjDE #14) and efficient offense (AdjOE #31), reflected in a top-tier Barthag rating. They face Wright St., who rely on their own efficient offense but struggle defensively. Virginia wins 92% of the time.
mm26-mw-r1-g71Kentucky Wildcats vs Santa Clara BroncosKentucky Wildcats (#7)68.0%The Kentucky Wildcats, battle-tested through a grueling SEC schedule, will rely on their defense and foul-drawing ability against the high-octane Santa Clara offense. Kentucky wins 68% of simulations in this Midwest Region showdown.
mm26-mw-r1-g81Iowa State Cyclones vs Tennessee State TigersIowa State Cyclones (#2)96.0%Iowa St.'s elite defense and potent offense make them a formidable opponent, with a 96% win probability over a Tennessee St. team that lacks high-major experience and struggles defensively.
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 HawkeyesIowa Hawkeyes (#9)55.0%Iowa's elite offense (#29 AdjOE) faces Clemson's stout defense (#20 AdjDE) in a battle of contrasting styles. Can Bennett Stirtz lead the Hawkeyes past Clemson's balanced attack? Iowa wins with 55% probability.
mm26-s-r1-g31Vanderbilt Commodores vs McNeese CowboysVanderbilt Commodores (#5)82.0%Vanderbilt's elite offense and battle-tested roster clash with McNeese St.'s aggressive defense and potent offensive rebounding. The Commodores hold a significant edge, with an 82% win probability, but don't count out the Cowboys' ability to disrupt.
mm26-s-r1-g41Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Troy TrojansNebraska Cornhuskers (#4)90.0%Nebraska's elite defense (#7 AdjDE) clashes with Troy's high-usage offense. The Huskers' powerful Barthag rating (0.9315) suggests they'll dominate, with a ~90% win probability.
mm26-s-r1-g51North Carolina Tar Heels vs VCU RamsNorth Carolina Tar Heels (#6)75.0%North Carolina (75% win) brings elite efficiency and a dominant frontcourt, but VCU's relentless turnover-forcing defense and free-throw prowess could spring an upset. Can UNC withstand the pressure and avoid a March Madness shocker?
mm26-s-r1-g61Illinois Fighting Illini vs Penn QuakersIllinois Fighting Illini (#3)85.0%Illinois, the elite 3-seed, clashes with 14-seed Penn. Illinois boasts top-tier AdjOE (131.9) and AdjDE (98.1), backed by a #6 Barthag rating. Penn's numbers lag significantly. Expect Illinois to dominate, projecting an 85% win probability.
mm26-s-r1-g71Saint Mary's Gaels vs Texas A&M AggiesSaint Mary's Gaels (#7)65.0%Saint Mary's (#25 Barthag, #22 AdjDE) meets Texas A&M (#42 AdjOE, #40 WAB Rank) in a clash of styles. The Gaels' defensive strength and elite rebounding give them a 65% win probability over the Aggies' up-tempo offense.
mm26-s-r1-g81Houston Cougars vs Idaho VandalsHouston Cougars (#2)90.0%Houston's elite defense (#5 AdjDE) and suffocating tempo clash with Idaho's lower-tier offense (#166 AdjOE). The Cougars' physicality and turnover-forcing prowess will dictate the game. Houston wins 90% of simulations.
mm26-w-r1-g11Arizona Wildcats vs LIU SharksArizona Wildcats (#1)98.0%Arizona (32-2) brings elite offense (AdjOE 126.3) and stifling defense (AdjDE 91.1) against LIU (24-10). Wildcats are a dominant force (#3 Barthag) expected to roll with 98% win probability.
mm26-w-r1-g21Villanova Wildcats vs Utah State AggiesUtah State Aggies (#9)65.0%Utah St. (MWC) brings an efficient offense and strong momentum into this matchup. With a 58% win probability, their eFG% advantage and aggressive free throw rate could be the difference. Villanova's tough schedule prepares them, but can they slow down the Aggies?
mm26-w-r1-g31Wisconsin Badgers vs High Point PanthersWisconsin Badgers (#5)78.0%Wisconsin boasts an elite offense (#7 AdjOE) against High Point's struggling defense (#148 AdjDE). Can the Panthers' high-octane offense and strong rebounding keep up? Wisconsin favored (78% win prob).
mm26-w-r1-g41Arkansas Razorbacks vs Hawaii Rainbow WarriorsArkansas Razorbacks (#4)90.0%Arkansas's explosive offense and battle-tested roster face Hawaii's disciplined defense. Expect the Razorbacks' high-powered attack, fueled by Darius Acuff Jr., to overcome the Rainbow Warriors' grit. 90% win for Arkansas.
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, a dominant force with elite defense (#9 AdjDE) and a potent offense (#37 AdjOE), is poised for a deep run. They're a heavy favorite, with a projected 95% chance of advancing past Kennesaw St., who face an uphill battle against a far superior opponent.
mm26-w-r1-g71Miami (FL) Hurricanes vs Missouri TigersMiami (FL) Hurricanes (#7)68.0%Miami's balanced attack and defensive edge position them for victory. With a potent 121.1 AdjOE and superior turnover control, they're poised to overcome Missouri's tough schedule. Expect a 68% win for Miami.
mm26-w-r1-g81Purdue Boilermakers vs Queens University RoyalsPurdue Boilermakers (#2)95.0%Purdue's #1 offense clashes with Queens' #317 defense. Can the 15-seed pull off a monumental upset? Purdue's elite efficiency and strong SOS make them heavy favorites with an estimated 95% win probability.
mm26-e-r2-g12Duke Blue Devils vs Ohio State BuckeyesDuke Blue Devils (#1)90.0%Duke rolls into the tournament as the #1 overall seed, boasting the nation's top defense and Barthag rating. They're heavily favored with a 90% win probability against Ohio State, who will struggle to match Duke's elite efficiency on both ends of the court. Expect a dominant performance from the Blue Devils.
mm26-e-r2-g22St. John's Red Storm vs Kansas JayhawksSt. John's Red Storm (#5)70.0%St. John's enters red-hot with a significant edge in forcing turnovers and offensive rebounding, setting them up to control tempo. With 70% win probability, the Red Storm look poised for an upset over a slumping Kansas.
mm26-e-r2-g32Louisville Cardinals vs Michigan State SpartansMichigan State Spartans (#3)68.0%Louisville's potent offense faces Michigan St.'s elite defense & rebounding. Spartans win this East Region battle behind a tougher schedule and superior efficiency. Michigan St. 68% win.
mm26-e-r2-g42UCLA Bruins vs UConn HuskiesUConn Huskies (#2)82.0%Connecticut's elite defense and rebounding should stifle UCLA, despite the Bruins' offensive efficiency. Look for the Huskies to assert their dominance with an 82% win probability.
mm26-mw-r2-g12Michigan Wolverines vs Georgia BulldogsMichigan Wolverines (#1)88.0%Michigan, a dominant 1-seed, faces Georgia. The Wolverines boast elite efficiency on both ends of the floor and a Barthag rating of 0.9818, signaling a commanding performance. Expect a Michigan win with 88% confidence.
mm26-mw-r2-g22Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Alabama Crimson TideAlabama Crimson Tide (#4)62.0%Alabama's #3 offense meets Texas Tech's balanced attack in a Midwest showdown. Bama's high tempo and free-throw prowess give them the edge, but Tech's offensive rebounding could keep it close. Expect Alabama to win with 62% probability.
mm26-mw-r2-g32Tennessee Volunteers vs Virginia CavaliersVirginia Cavaliers (#3)65.0%Virginia's balanced attack and elite shooting make them formidable. While Tennessee brings strong offensive rebounding, Virginia's superior overall efficiency and battle-tested record give them a 65% win probability.
mm26-mw-r2-g42Kentucky Wildcats vs Iowa State CyclonesIowa State Cyclones (#2)88.0%Iowa St.'s elite defense (#6 AdjDE) and turnover-forcing machine (#1 Def TO%) clash with Kentucky's inconsistent offense. The Cyclones' well-rounded attack and strong rebounding edge should power them past the Wildcats. Iowa St. wins with 88% probability.
mm26-s-r2-g12Florida Gators vs Iowa HawkeyesFlorida Gators (#1)75.0%Florida's elite defense and overwhelming offensive rebounding will be too much for Iowa. The Gators are 75% confident to advance, stifling Stirtz and dominating the paint to secure their spot.
mm26-s-r2-g22Vanderbilt Commodores vs Nebraska CornhuskersVanderbilt Commodores (#5)70.0%Vanderbilt's top-tier offense (126.0 AdjOE) meets Nebraska's suffocating defense (93.4 AdjDE). The Commodores' pace (69.4 Adj. Tempo) and elite offensive rebounding (30.8% ORB) will test the Cornhuskers' discipline. Vanderbilt win: 70%.
mm26-s-r2-g32North Carolina Tar Heels vs Illinois Fighting IlliniIllinois Fighting Illini (#3)78.0%Illinois's #2 Adj. Offensive Efficiency and #6 Barthag rating give them a significant edge over North Carolina's solid but not elite metrics. With elite offensive rebounding, Illinois enters as the favorite. Prediction: Illinois wins with 78% probability.
mm26-s-r2-g42Saint Mary's Gaels vs Houston CougarsHouston Cougars (#2)85.0%Houston, #5 in Barthag, boasts an elite #5 AdjDE and #14 AdjOE. They'll need to overcome Saint Mary's #22 AdjDE and strong offensive rebounding. Houston has an 85% win probability.
mm26-w-r2-g12Arizona Wildcats vs Utah State AggiesArizona Wildcats (#1)85.0%Arizona (1-seed) brings elite defense and rebounding against Utah St.'s efficient offense. Expect Arizona to control the glass and force tough shots. Arizona 85% win.
mm26-w-r2-g22Wisconsin Badgers vs Arkansas RazorbacksArkansas Razorbacks (#4)68.0%Arkansas brings elite offense (#6 AdjOE) and a higher tempo to face Wisconsin's balanced attack. With stronger metrics across the board and a tougher schedule, the Razorbacks are poised to advance. Arkansas 68% win.
mm26-w-r2-g32BYU Cougars vs Gonzaga BulldogsGonzaga Bulldogs (#3)80.0%Gonzaga's elite defense and superior power rating give them an 80% chance to advance against a BYU team with a potent offense but defensive vulnerabilities. BYU's tougher schedule provides a narrative hook.
mm26-w-r2-g42Miami (FL) Hurricanes vs Purdue BoilermakersPurdue Boilermakers (#2)82.0%Purdue's top-ranked offense and elite Barthag rating make them a heavy favorite against Miami. Can the Hurricanes' balanced attack overcome the Boilermakers' firepower? Purdue wins with 82% probability.
mm26-e-r3-g13Duke Blue Devils vs St. John's Red StormDuke Blue Devils (#1)82.0%Duke's dominant defense (#1 AdjDE) and potent offense (#5 AdjOE) make them tough to beat. Their #1 Barthag rating underscores their elite status. Expect Duke to advance with ~82% win probability.
mm26-e-r3-g23Michigan State Spartans vs UConn HuskiesUConn Huskies (#2)78.0%UConn's lockdown defense and efficient offense make them favorites in this matchup. Their 78% win probability hinges on limiting MSU's second-chance points and forcing turnovers against a slightly faster-paced Spartans squad.
mm26-mw-r3-g13Michigan Wolverines vs Alabama Crimson TideMichigan Wolverines (#1)82.0%Michigan, a 1-seed, enters the tournament as a defensive juggernaut (AdjDE #2, Barthag #2) poised to stifle Alabama's high-octane offense (AdjOE #3). Look for Michigan to control the tempo and secure an 82% win probability. No seed numbers.
mm26-mw-r3-g23Virginia Cavaliers vs Iowa State CyclonesIowa State Cyclones (#2)67.0%Iowa St.'s elite defense and offensive firepower (67% win) clash with Virginia's suffocating D and methodical pace. The Cyclones force turnovers at a high rate, while the Cavaliers rely on controlling possessions. The battle for tempo and efficiency will dictate who advances in the Midwest.
mm26-s-r3-g13Florida Gators vs Vanderbilt CommodoresFlorida Gators (#1)62.0%Florida, a 1-seed, faces Vanderbilt, a 5-seed, in a rematch after Vandy's recent 91-74 SEC tournament upset. Florida's #3 AdjDE and #4 Barthag make them favorites, but Vandy's turnover-forcing defense will test them. Florida wins 62% of simulations.
mm26-s-r3-g23Illinois Fighting Illini vs Houston CougarsHouston Cougars (#2)68.0%Houston's suffocating #5 AdjDE and #5 Barthag power rating clash with Illinois's #2 AdjOE. Cougars win 68%. Expect a defensive slugfest where Houston's pressure proves too much for Illinois's high-flying offense.
mm26-w-r3-g13Arizona Wildcats vs Arkansas RazorbacksArizona Wildcats (#1)75.0%Arizona's #4 AdjDE and #3 Barthag make them formidable. While Arkansas boasts a #6 AdjOE, Arizona's balance, superior rebounding, and free-throw rate should secure a victory with a 75% win probability.
mm26-w-r3-g23Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Purdue BoilermakersPurdue Boilermakers (#2)72.0%Purdue's #1 Adj. Offensive Efficiency and battle-tested schedule make them the favorite against Gonzaga's formidable #9 Adj. Defensive Efficiency. The Boilermakers win 72% of simulations in this West Region clash.
mm26-e-r4-g14Duke Blue Devils vs UConn HuskiesDuke Blue Devils (#1)85.0%Duke's top-ranked defense and #5 offense make them a formidable opponent, backed by Barthag's #1 rating. UConn will struggle to match their firepower. Duke wins with 85% probability.
mm26-mw-r4-g14Michigan Wolverines vs Iowa State CyclonesMichigan Wolverines (#1)85.0%Michigan's elite offense and stingy defense (AdjOE #4, AdjDE #2) make them a formidable force, giving them an 85% win probability over Iowa State. Expect a battle of tempo and turnovers.
mm26-s-r4-g14Florida Gators vs Houston CougarsFlorida Gators (#1)57.0%Florida's elite defense (#3 AdjDE) and relentless offensive rebounding will test Houston's vaunted turnover-forcing ability. Can Florida's bigs control the paint against Houston's guards in a battle of contrasting paces? Florida 57% win.
mm26-w-r4-g14Arizona Wildcats vs Purdue BoilermakersArizona Wildcats (#1)68.0%Arizona's suffocating defense (#4 AdjDE) and ability to get to the free-throw line (44.1 Off FTR) should be enough to edge out Purdue's #1 offense. Arizona wins 68% of the time, leveraging their balanced attack and defensive prowess.
mm26-ff-g15Duke Blue Devils vs Arizona WildcatsDuke Blue Devils (#1)62.0%Duke's #1 defense and dynamic Cameron Boozer face Arizona's potent offense and strong frontcourt. Expect a defensive struggle, but Duke's slight edge in overall efficiency and star power gives them a 62% win probability in this elite matchup.
mm26-ff-g25Florida Gators vs Michigan WolverinesMichigan Wolverines (#1)78.0%Michigan's elite offense and defense, coupled with a tougher schedule, give them a significant edge over Florida, despite the Gators' rebounding prowess. Expect a hard-fought contest, with Michigan prevailing. Michigan 78% win.
mm26-championship6Duke Blue Devils vs Michigan WolverinesDuke Blue Devils (#1)72.0%Duke's #1 defense and prior win over Michigan gives them the edge (72% win) over Michigan's potent #4 offense. It's a battle of titans where efficiency reigns, but Duke's momentum and defensive stranglehold set them apart.