March Madness: Updated Bracketology & Sweet 16 Power Rankings 2026

March 23, 2026 Alex Carter - Sports Editor Sport

Iowa’s improbable run through the NCAA men’s basketball tournament continued Sunday with a stunning 73-72 upset of defending champion Florida, while Iowa State secured its own Sweet 16 berth with an 82-63 victory over Kentucky. The results leave both teams, and 14 others, vying for a national title as the tournament enters its second weekend.

The victories by Iowa and Iowa State mark the first time both programs have reached the Sweet 16 in the same year. Iowa’s win was sealed by a late three-pointer from Alvaro Folgueiras, a moment that reverberated through the tournament landscape. Iowa State, meanwhile, defeated Kentucky despite being without All-American Joshua Jefferson, demonstrating a resilience that has propelled them to this stage.

According to an analysis by Myron Medcalf of ESPN, Arizona currently holds the top spot among the remaining teams. The Wildcats, a No. 1 seed in the West region, dispatched Long Island and Utah State in the opening rounds. Medcalf highlighted Arizona’s depth, coaching, and overall talent as key factors in their success, noting their ability to draw fouls and capitalize at the free-throw line. They have averaged 26.3 free throw attempts this season and recorded 72 in their first two tournament games.

Following Arizona, Medcalf ranks Michigan as the second-best team. The Wolverines boast a formidable frontcourt, featuring 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara and projected first-round NBA draft picks Morez Johnson Jr. And Yaxel Lendeborg. Their versatility and defensive prowess have made them a difficult matchup for opponents, with only three teams managing to solve their defensive schemes all season.

Duke, despite being the No. 1 overall seed, finds itself facing challenges with injuries to Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II. Medcalf’s analysis points to Isaiah Evans stepping up in Foster’s absence, becoming a crucial offensive and defensive contributor alongside Cameron Boozer, who has recorded 41 points, 24 rebounds, and seven assists in the tournament so far.

Houston, Illinois, and Purdue are similarly closing the gap on the top seeds, according to Medcalf. Houston, under coach Kelvin Sampson, has a history of peaking in February and March, currently boasting the No. 2 adjusted defensive efficiency since the start of February. Illinois, ranked first in adjusted offensive efficiency for much of the season, has demonstrated the ability to deliver decisive scoring runs. Purdue, meanwhile, has been on an offensive surge, shooting 52% from the field over its last six games.

Other teams advancing to the Sweet 16 include Alabama, which has maintained its offensive firepower despite the absence of Aden Holloway, and Texas, considered a strong contender despite not being a traditional Cinderella story. Nebraska, led by the family legacy of Fred Hoiberg, has also emerged as a surprise contender, securing its first Sweet 16 appearance since 1954. Tennessee, St. John’s, UConn, Arkansas, and Michigan State round out the remaining teams.

Several teams are facing key challenges. Duke is navigating injuries, while Iowa State must contend with the absence of Joshua Jefferson. Alabama is attempting to maintain its momentum following the arrest of Aden Holloway on felony drug charges.

The Sweet 16 matchups are set to begin on Thursday, with Arizona facing Arkansas, Michigan taking on Alabama, Duke battling St. John’s, Houston squaring off against Illinois, Purdue facing Texas, Iowa State playing Tennessee, Nebraska meeting Iowa, and UConn challenging Michigan State.