March Madness 2026:
As the NCAA men’s college basketball season heads into March, the race to hoist the national championship trophy is heating up. With Selection Sunday looming and conference tournaments underway, several elite programs have separated themselves from the pack — positioning themselves as favorites to make deep runs in this year’s March Madness.
The Favorites to Watch
1. Duke Blue Devils
At the top of the list is the Duke Blue Devils, who have asserted themselves as the No. 1 team in the country in multiple latest rankings. Duke reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 and sits atop the most recent Power 37 rankings, reflecting a highly consistent regular season. Their resume includes major wins and strong Quadrant 1 performances, making them a leading contender for a No. 1 seed and a deep tournament run.
2. Arizona Wildcats
The Arizona Wildcats have been equally impressive this season, sitting near the top of the national polls. A dominant win over a ranked Kansas team showed how talented and focused this squad is. Arizona is considered a clear title threat and a likely No. 1 seed in its region if current form holds.
3. Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines continue to build a strong case as one of the nation’s premier teams. Competing in the tough Big Ten, Michigan has put together an excellent record and is consistently projected as a possible No. 1 seed. Their combination of defense and scoring balance has many experts ranking them among the top favorites for the title.
4. UConn Huskies
The UConn Huskies aren’t far behind the trio above. After a big win over St. John’s and other strong showings, they’ve climbed into the top four in rankings and are certainly in the mix for a No. 1 seed as well. Their recent performances have positioned them as a team that could surprise opponents deep into March.