The Big Ten made a resounding statement in the opening weekend of the 2026 NCAA tournament, boasting an impressive 13-3 record and sending six teams to the Sweet Sixteen. This remarkable performance ties the ACC's 2016 record for the second-most teams from one conference reaching this stage, just behind the SEC's record of seven teams last season.
Among the Big Ten teams advancing are Michigan, Purdue, Michigan State, Illinois, Nebraska, and Iowa. Notably, this marks Nebraska's first-ever trip to the Sweet Sixteen, while Iowa returns for the first time since 1999. It's a testament to the depth and talent across the conference this season.
Here's how the Sweet Sixteen shapes up by conference:
- Big Ten: Six teams - Michigan, Purdue, Michigan State, Illinois, Nebraska, Iowa
- SEC: Four teams - Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas
- Big 12: Three teams - Arizona, Houston, Iowa State
- Big East: Two teams - UConn, St.
John’s
- ACC: One team - Duke
Now, let's dive into the matchups featuring Big Ten teams in the Sweet Sixteen:
Thursday, March 26, San Jose, California:
- **No. 2 Purdue vs.
No. 11 Texas**
- Tip-off: 7:10 p.m. ET on CBS
- Commentators: Brian Anderson, Jim Jackson, Allie LaForce
- Odds: Purdue favored by 7.5 points
Thursday, March 26, Houston, Texas:
- **No. 4 Nebraska vs.
No. 9 Iowa**
- Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. ET on TBS/TruTV
- Commentators: Kevin Harlan, Robbie Hummel, Stan Van Gundy, Lauren Shehadi
- Odds: Nebraska favored by 2.5 points
- **No. 2 Houston vs.
No. 3 Illinois**
- Commentators: Harlan, Hummel, Van Gundy, Shehadi
- Odds: Houston favored by 2.5 points
Friday, March 27, Chicago, Illinois:
- **No. 1 Michigan vs.
No. 4 Alabama**
- Commentators: Andrew Catalon, Steve Lappas, Evan Washburn
- Odds: Michigan favored by 10.5 points
Friday, March 27, Washington, D.C.:
- **No. 2 UConn vs.
No. 3 Michigan State**
- Commentators: Ian Eagle, Bill Raftery, Grant Hill, Tracy Wolfson
- Odds: UConn favored by 1.5 points
As the Big Ten teams prepare for these crucial matchups, the excitement is palpable. Each game promises to deliver thrilling action and showcase the exceptional talent that has defined this season's tournament journey. Fans across the nation will be glued to their screens, eager to see which teams will continue their quest for NCAA glory.