The Triangle's basketball scene is feeling the heat right now. N.C.
State had their hearts broken in the final seconds against Texas during the First Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, Duke and UNC both let 19-point leads slip away in March Madness, making their exits in dramatic fashion.
Coaching changes are shaking things up too. Will Wade has left Raleigh to reunite with LSU, and after five seasons, Hubert Davis has been let go from Chapel Hill. Jon Scheyer is grappling with back-to-back major tournament collapses.
In a bid to revitalize, the Wolfpack is bringing back a familiar face in Justin Gainey. However, UNC is still on the hunt for a fresh coaching perspective outside their usual lineage.
With Duke's shocking loss to UConn, this marks the end of North Carolina’s streak of Final Four appearances, which included N.C. State in 2024 and Duke in 2025.
But the action continues in Indianapolis, where the Huskies are eyeing their third NCAA championship in four years. Arizona and Michigan are both in the hunt for their second titles, with the Wildcats aiming for their first since 1997 and the Wolverines since 1989.
Illinois is adding to the Big Ten excitement in Indy. Making their first Final Four appearance since 2005, the Fighting Illini are eager to grab their inaugural NCAA crown.
As we look ahead to the Final Four matchups, here’s what we’re anticipating:
2026 Final Four Predictions:
Arizona vs. Michigan:
- Rodd Baxley: Arizona
- Anna Snyder: Arizona
Illinois vs. UConn:
- Rodd Baxley: UConn
- Anna Snyder: UConn
It's shaping up to be an exciting conclusion to the tournament, with plenty of storylines and potential for unforgettable moments.