Trending Now - NCAA Tournament 2026: Expert Predictions and Odds Released

WHO:

Nebraska Cornhuskers, Troy Trojans, Duke Blue Devils, Siena Saints, Louisville Cardinals, South Florida Bulls, Vanderbilt Commodores, McNeese Cowboys, Arkansas Razorbacks, Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, BYU Cougars, Texas Longhorns, Prairie View A&M Panthers, Lehigh Mountain Hawks, Florida Gators

Fred Hoiberg (Nebraska head coach), Bryan Hodgson (South Florida head coach), Izaiyah Nelson (AAC Player of the Year), Gary Parrish, Matt Norlander, Chip Patterson, David Cobb, Cameron Salerno, Isaac Trotter (CBS Sports experts)

WHAT:

The 2026 NCAA Tournament begins on March 19th, 2026.

Nebraska is seeking its first-ever NCAA Tournament win.

Duke is the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament.

The Mountain Hawks (18-16) won the Patriot League Tournament, defeating Boston University 74-60.

The Panthers (18-17) won the SWAC Tournament, beating Southern 72-66.

Lehigh is a 3.5-point favorite against Prairie View A&M.

The over/under for the Prairie View A&M vs. Lehigh game is set at 142.5 points.

WHERE:

The NCAA Tournament games will take place in various locations, including Portland, Oregon, and Dayton, Ohio.

UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio, is the venue for the Prairie View A&M vs. Lehigh matchup.

WHEN:

The first round of the NCAA Tournament begins on March 19th, 2026.

The Prairie View A&M vs. Lehigh game is scheduled for March 18th, 2026, at 6:40 p.m. ET.

The Mountain Hawks won their tournament game on March 15th, 2026.

The Panthers won their tournament game on March 16th, 2026.

WHY:

Nebraska aims to end its March Madness drought with a potential first win.

South Florida's recent success (14-1 in last 15 games) is a factor in their matchup against Louisville.

HOW:

Nebraska's defense rated first in Big Ten conference play in defensive efficiency.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every college basketball game 10,000 times for predictions.

(UPDATED March 19, 2026 07:18 UTC)

Today marks the start of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, with teams like the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Duke Blue Devils vying for victory. Nebraska is looking to secure its first-ever NCAA Tournament win, while Duke holds the title of the No. 1 overall seed. In an exciting matchup, the Lehigh Mountain Hawks will face off against the Prairie View A&M Panthers at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio, with Lehigh favored by 3.5 points.