The start of March Madness 2026 takes place this Thursday with 16 games in the first round, after First Four defines the last places. The NCAA men’s tournament brings together 68 teams in search of the national title, with matches distributed across various venues and local times in the Estados Unidos. Destaques include outstanding comebacks, rising underdogs and teams with a history of overcoming, promising surprises and balanced games throughout the day.
The clashes begin around noon ET and continue into the evening, with broadcasts on channels including CBS, TNT, TBS and truTV. Equipes of powerhouse conferences face smaller programs, and the focus is on individual stories that could shape the course of the competition.
- Texas advanced with a narrow victory over First Four.
- McNeese returns with a well-known viral figure.
- Nebraska seeks historic first victory in the tournament.
- Reserve and freshmen players gain protagonism.
Return of Amir “Aura”
Amir “Aura” Khan, McNeese’s team manager, returns to the tournament after going viral in the previous edition. Ele gained notoriety by leading the team through the tunnel with a sound system, motivating the players. Khan closed more than 20 sponsorship contracts during the 2025 campaign, benefiting from NIL rules.
The Cowboys secured their place by winning the Southland Conference championship against Stephen F. Austin. Khan had followed former coach Will Wade to NC State, but returned to McNeese after issues with academic credits. The 12th-seeded team faces Vanderbilt at 3:15 p.m. ET on Oklahoma City.
Khan remains an essential motivational element for the Cowboys. Sua presence reinforces team spirit in a challenging confrontation against a well-positioned opponent.
Highlights of reserves and underdogs in the tournament
Players with fewer minutes or from smaller programs often decide games on March Madness. Michigan freshman Trey McKenney has stood out as he compensates for the absence of LJ Cason, who has an anterior cruciate ligament injury. McKenney averages 9.6 points per game and has contributed consistently in the Big Ten tournament.
Gavin Doty of Siena serves as the centerpiece of Saints. Ele averaged 21.7 points and 6.7 rebounds in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship. At 1.93 m, Doty has six double-doubles and scored 20 or more points in 14 games this season.
Siena, 16th seed, squares off with Duke, 1st seed, at 2:50 p.m. ET in Greenville. Esses athletes show how opportunities arise at decisive moments.
Nebraska tries to break historic fast
Nebraska comes into the tournament without a win in eight previous March Madness appearances. Os Cornhuskers, 4th seed, started the season with 15 consecutive victories and set a program record of 24 consecutive victories.
Coach Fred Hoiberg, voted the best in Big Ten in 2026, leads the team after stints with Chicago Bulls and Iowa State in the NBA. Ele highlighted the unique moment experienced by the players, who seek to mark the history of university basketball.
The Cornhuskers face 13th seed Troy at 12:40 pm ET on Oklahoma City. An initial victory would represent a significant milestone for the team.
Texas advances after drama at First Four
Texas beat NC State 68 to 66 in First Four, with a decisive basket from Tramon Mark at the end. The sixth-year veteran ensured the continuity of the Longhorns’s campaign in the main tournament.
Now, as the 11th seed, Texas faces BYU, the 6th seed, at 7:25 pm ET on Portland. BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa leads the offense with an average of 25.3 points per game.
Texas stood out for its defense and dominance in rebounds in the previous game, with 45 in total. Times from the 11th seed have a positive record against the 6th seed since 2005, winning around 40% of these duels.
Complete schedule for the first round this Thursday
The games take place at venues such as Greenville, Oklahoma City, Buffalo and Portland. Ohio State (8th) faces TCU (9th) at 12:15 pm ET on Greenville on CBS.
Other matchups include Louisville (6th) vs. South Florida (11th) at 1:30pm on Buffalo on TNT, and Michigan State (3rd) plays against North Dakota State (14th) at 4:05 pm in Buffalo.
The night features Illinois (3rd) versus Universidade from
