The Naismith Coach of the Year finalists have been announced, and the Big Ten is well-represented with Michigan’s Dusty May and Nebraska’s Fred Hoiberg making the list. Joining them are Duke’s Jon Scheyer and Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd, all of whom have led their teams to the Sweet 16 this season.
Dusty May's Michigan Wolverines have been impressive, dispatching Howard in the first round and Saint Louis in the Round of 32. Now, they're gearing up for a showdown with Alabama in the Sweet 16.
May, who has taken Michigan to the Sweet 16 in each of his first two seasons, previously led Florida Atlantic to the Final Four in 2023. His sights are set on bringing Michigan its first national title since 1989.
Fred Hoiberg has been turning heads at Nebraska. Under his leadership since 2019, the Cornhuskers have reached the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history.
They triumphed over Troy and narrowly defeated Vanderbilt to earn their spot. Hoiberg's efforts have already earned him the Big Ten Coach of the Year honors this season.
In their only matchup this season, Michigan edged out Nebraska 75-72 on January 27, showcasing the competitive spirit both teams bring to the court.
As the tournament heats up, fans are buzzing with predictions on who will take home the 2026 NCAA title. Arizona currently leads the predictions at 26%, with Michigan not far behind at 24%. Duke follows at 22%, while other contenders like Illinois, Purdue, and UConn round out the field.
The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the tournament, with each coach and team bringing their unique strengths to the court. Who will ultimately prevail? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: the competition is fierce, and the journey to the championship is just getting started.