Trending Now - March Madness 2026: Predictions and Upset Potential Revealed

WHO:

President Trump, VCU, North Carolina, Louisville, South Florida, BYU, Texas, Alabama, Akron, Texas Tech, SMU, Tennessee, Nebraska, Troy, High Point, Wisconsin

Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville), Caleb Wilson (North Carolina), A.J. Dybantsa (BYU), Tavari Johnson (Akron), Boopie Miller (SMU), Jaron Pierre Jr. (SMU), Izaiyah Nelson (South Florida), Thomas Dowd (Troy), Dontae Horne (Prairie View A&M), Nasir Whitlock (Lehigh)

WHAT:

VCU is predicted to upset North Carolina.

South Florida is predicted to upset Louisville.

Texas is predicted to upset BYU.

Hofstra is predicted to upset Alabama.

Akron is predicted to upset Texas Tech.

SMU is predicted to upset Tennessee.

Troy is predicted to upset Nebraska.

High Point is predicted to upset Wisconsin.

South Florida has an 11-game win streak entering the tournament.

VCU has won 16 of its past 17 games.

Alabama's Aden Holloway has been arrested and is unlikely to play.

Hofstra has two road wins against power-conference opponents, Pitt and Syracuse.

High Point is 30-4 and has won its past 14 games.

WHERE:

NCAA Tournament, various locations for games including potential matchups in St. Louis and other tournament venues.

WHEN:

March 17, 2026 - Date of the article.

The NCAA Tournament is set to take place in March 2026.

WHY:

Louisville's performance is affected by the injury status of Mikel Brown Jr.

North Carolina's performance is affected by the absence of Caleb Wilson due to a broken thumb.

BYU's performance is affected by the absence of Richie Saunders due to an ACL injury.

HOW:

VCU's balanced and aggressive attack is highlighted as a strength.

South Florida's success is attributed to its recent win streak and the performance of Izaiyah Nelson.

Hofstra's defensive capabilities are noted as a potential factor against Alabama's shooting.

Akron's recent performance and tempo are highlighted as strengths against Texas Tech.

(UPDATED March 17, 2026 17:23 UTC)

In a surprising turn of events, VCU is predicted to upset North Carolina, while South Florida, riding an impressive 11-game win streak, is also expected to take down Louisville. Additionally, Hofstra, with two road wins against power-conference teams, is favored to upset Alabama, which is dealing with the absence of Aden Holloway due to an arrest. Other notable predictions include Texas over BYU, Akron against Texas Tech, and High Point, boasting a 30-4 record and a 14-game winning streak, set to challenge Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament.