Final Four X-factors: The four March Madness players key to team's national title hopes
Every men's Final Four team will need more than the star players to come up big. Here's who could be the hero for every team in Indianapolis.
There will be plenty of star power in Indianapolis for the 2026 Final Four , but don't forget about the unsung heroes. Connecticut, Illinois, Arizona and Michigan made the national semifinals with their major playmakers having the primary roles. But what has allowed this quartet to reach the biggest stage in men's college basketball is that they also get significant contributions from people outside the spotlight.
It's going to take more than the top guys to cut down the nets − just look at UConn's Braylon Mullins in the Elite Eight. So, which under-the-radar players have the chance to step up and be the catalyst for a national championship? Here is one player to watch for each team.
Connecticut: Malachi Smith The health of Silas Demary Jr. has been a talking point for UConn as the lead guard, but Smith has stepped up well and become a reliable guard during the tournament. It was big for Smith, who started in 77 games at Dayton before transferring to Storrs this season, to accept a bench role for the Huskies, but he's wound up becoming a vital part of the second unit, and his value has only risen as the season ended.
After averaging 2. 7 assists per game before the tournament began, he's averaging 5. 5 in the four tournament games.