NCAA Tournament Day One: Your Complete Guide to Thursday’s First Round Action
Day one of March Madness kicks off now! Here’s how to watch every game on day one.
Mar 19, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; March madness graphics at center court before a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images The Madness Is Here. Iowa’s Turn Comes Tomorrow.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, folks. The NCAA Tournament tips off today with 16 first-round games, and while we’re all going to be locked in on our Hawkeyes tomorrow, today is about doing what March does best — giving you an excuse to “work from home” while four games run simultaneously on your screen. Iowa fans, circle tomorrow on your calendars.
The 9-seed Hawkeye men take on 8-seed Clemson at 5:50 PM CT on TNT , sitting as slight 2. 5-point favorites. But today?
Today we scout, we overreact, and we fill out the rest of our busted brackets. Games You Should Actually Watch Today North Carolina (6) vs. VCU (11) — 5:50 PM CT, TNT: VCU is the kind of mid-major buzz saw that ends blue blood seasons in March.