The 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament has delivered early drama, upsets and dominant performances as it moves toward the Sweet 16. With the second round wrapping up Sunday, March 23, several top seeds remain alive while Cinderella stories and buzzer-beaters have kept fans glued to screens.

L-R Christian Braun #2, Remy Martin #11, Jalen Wilson #10 and Dajuan Harris Jr. #3 of the Kansas Jayhawks react in the second half of the game against the Villanova Wildcats during the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal at Caesars

Here are five key things to know about the men's March Madness field as the tournament progresses toward regional semifinals later this week.

1. Upsets shake the bracket early, but chalk holds strong overall

The 2026 tournament featured fewer massive early upsets than some recent years, with favorites advancing through much of the Round of 64. However, the Round of 32 brought fireworks. No. 5 St. John's stunned No. 4 Kansas on a last-second layup, advancing to their first Sweet 16 since 1999. No. 9 Iowa shocked defending champion No. 1 Florida 73-72 in a thriller that eliminated the top overall seed early. No. 11 Texas knocked off No. 3 Gonzaga 74-68, continuing the SEC's trend of producing double-digit seeds that reach the second weekend.

Other results saw No. 6 Tennessee edge No. 3 Virginia 79-72, No. 2 UConn handle No. 7 UCLA 73-57, and No. 1 Arizona top No. 9 Utah State 78-66. The upsets highlight parity, but top teams like No. 1 Duke, No. 1 Michigan and No. 2 Houston cruised, keeping the path to Indianapolis relatively clear for power programs.

2. Historic moments abound, including Nebraska's breakthrough

Nebraska made program history by reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time after escaping No. 5 Vanderbilt in a wild finish. The Cornhuskers, long the only major-conference team without an NCAA tournament win, now boast multiple victories in 2026. Robbie Avila of Saint Louis earned attention with strong play before their exit, nicknamed "Cream Abdul Jabbar" for his impact.

St. John's dramatic win over Kansas marked another milestone, while Texas became the latest SEC team to thrive as a double-digit seed. These stories add emotional layers to a tournament where underdogs occasionally break through despite a chalky feel.

3. Top seeds dominate as Sweet 16 matchups take shape

The Sweet 16 features heavy hitters. In the East Region, No. 1 Duke faces No. 5 St. John's, and No. 3 Michigan State takes on No. 2 UConn (or survivor). The Midwest pits No. 1 Michigan against potential foes like No. 4 Alabama or No. 5 Texas Tech, with No. 2 Iowa State meeting No. 6 Tennessee. The West has No. 1 Arizona squaring off against No. 4 Arkansas, and the South includes No. 2 Houston vs. No. 3 Illinois and No. 4 Nebraska vs. No. 1 Florida/No. 9 Iowa winner.

Games tip off Thursday and Friday, March 26-27, across sites like Chicago, Washington D.C. and others. The Final Four returns to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on April 4, with the championship April 6.

4. Standout performances and emerging stars drive narratives

Players have shone brightly. Duke's balanced attack, Michigan's high-scoring output (including a 101-80 rout), and Arizona's depth stand out. Iowa's upset of Florida showcased clutch play, while St. John's relied on late-game heroics. Freshmen and transfers continue influencing outcomes, though veterans on top teams provide stability.

Analysts note the tournament's competitiveness, with close finishes like Nebraska-Vanderbilt and Texas-Gonzaga. Buzzer-beaters and comebacks keep brackets alive, though perfect ones busted early with Iowa's Florida win.

5. Path to the title favors experience and balance

Pre-tournament favorites like Arizona, Duke, Michigan and UConn remain contenders. Arizona's size and skill position them well, while UConn seeks a repeat of past glory. The Big Ten's strength shines with Michigan, Michigan State and Illinois advancing deep.

The tournament concludes April 6, capping a season of conference battles and individual brilliance. With Sweet 16 games looming, expect more intensity as teams chase national championship glory in Indianapolis.

The 2026 men's NCAA tournament continues delivering March Madness magic, blending upsets, history and elite competition.