2026 March Madness predictions: Final Four and Championship

The 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament is better known as March Madness. It takes its nickname from this world-famous straight knockout competition's fast and frantic nature. The top 68 teams from college basketball across the United States will enter the running in mid-March, kicking off one of the most exciting events in sports.

If you think previous March Madness tournaments have been exciting, you’ve seen nothing yet—the 2026 edition promises more drama as the season unfolds. Ahead of the tournament, we lay out the key schedule details and shine the spotlight on the early contenders and favorites. Who are the top teams, and what are their chances of lifting the trophy? You’ll find all the information you need here, including links to our famous basketball predictions sections.

The aim of our writers is to make you a better-informed follower of the tournament with the details you need to make a researched prediction on which team will win the title and etch their name into the history books as the 2026 kings of college basketball.

Schedule

The dates and venues for the 2026 March Madness tournament have been confirmed. The Final Four will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, with the national semifinals on Saturday, April 4, and the National Championship on Monday, April 6.



Indianapolis will host the Men's Final Four for the ninth time, creating an electric atmosphere in one of college basketball's most iconic venues. Fans will pack the stadium, and the action can also be followed on television and through live streaming apps, allowing you to view from anywhere.

Event	Date	Location
Selection Sunday	Sunday, March 15	N/A
First Four	Tuesday, March 17 - Wednesday, March 18	Dayton, OH
First Round	Thursday, March 19 - Friday, March 20	Various Locations
Second Round	Saturday, March 21 - Sunday, March 22	Various Locations
Sweet 16	Thursday, March 26 - Friday, March 27	Various Locations
Elite Eight	Saturday, March 28 - Sunday, March 29	Various Locations
Final Four	Saturday, April 4	Indianapolis, IN
National Championship	Monday, April 6	Indianapolis, IN

Betting

Followers of college basketball often keep a close eye on the futures betting market as oddsmakers release outright odds for the national champion and adjust them throughout the season. The most recommended UK betting bookmakers list provide valuable insight, though upsets are always part of March Madness.

As of early January 2026, the betting market heavily favors the Michigan Wolverines, who sit atop the outright odds after a dominant undefeated start to the season. Bookmakers agree on Michigan as the team to beat, giving them the shortest odds among contenders.



Close behind are strong programs like Arizona, Duke, Purdue, Houston, and UConn, with slight variations across sportsbooks. These blue-blood teams and consistent performers are seen as the primary threats. Dark horses and mid-majors could emerge as the season progresses, but for now, the odds reflect the early dominance of the top-ranked powers.

You can bet on the winner of March Madness 2026 from now until the final buzzer, and odds will shift dramatically with every big win, upset, or injury. As soon as the champion is crowned, bookmakers will release odds for the following year's tournament.