The first weekend of the 2026 men’s NCAA Tournament delivered a blend of expected wins and thrilling surprises that capture the essence of March Madness.
Among the most dramatic results were major upsets by mid‑major programs that punched above their seedings. VCU, an 11‑seed, stunned sixth‑seeded North Carolina 82–78 in an overtime classic that saw the Rams overcome a 19‑point deficit — a comeback that instantly became one of the tournament’s signature moments. Meanwhile, High Point edged Wisconsin 83–82 in what was considered one of the day’s biggest shocks, giving the 12‑seed a memorable first‑round victory.
Even traditional powerhouses faced challenges. Duke, seeded No. 1, trailed 13 points before rallying to a 71–65 victory over Siena to avoid an early upset — an early test that underscored the competitive depth of the field this year.
Elsewhere in the bracket, Nebraska claimed a historic first NCAA tournament victory, a milestone for the program that had previously never won a March Madness game. Against Troy, the Cornhuskers delivered a statement win that will bolster their momentum heading into round two.
Texas, a lower seed, also made noise with an upset of BYU (79‑71), ending BYU star AJ Dybantsa’s tournament run earlier than many brackets anticipated.
As the Round of 32 approaches, powerhouse teams such as Arizona, Illinois, Kentucky, and Duke seek to steady their paths, while mid‑majors that survived the first week look to extend their Cinderella narratives. The coming matchups — featuring clashes between form and ferocity — are shaping up to be among the most compelling in recent tournament history.