Final Four Fever Peaks: Unbelievable Surprise Squad Seeks Prominence!
Only one No. 1 seed fails to make the men’s Final Four in this projection.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 04: Head coach Kelvin Sampson of the Houston Cougars reacts with Kingston Flemings #4 of the Houston Cougars during the second half against the Baylor Bears at Fertitta Center on March 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images In a college basketball season loaded with high-end talent and juggernaut teams, the 2026 NCAA tournament could be defined by favorites rolling and a lack of major upsets. Only seven lower seeds won during the first round in 2025.
Arkansas, an underachieving-but-dangerous No. 10 seed, was the only double-digit seed to advance to last year’s Sweet 16. And once the tournament got beyond opening weekend, it was a bloodbath for underdogs.
The 2025 Final Four was filled with all four No. 1 seeds. The Elite Eight almost featured all four No.
2 seeds outside of No. 3 seed Texas Tech as the round’s lowest-seeded team. With NIL and the transfer portal easily replenishing the best teams in college basketball this offseason, the 2026 NCAA tournament could see more of the same.
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