Men’s NCAA Tournament power rankings: Resetting the top title contenders after Round 1
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The first round of the 2026 Men’s NCAA Tournament saw all favorites winning, with High Point as the only lower-seeded (12-16) team to advance.
- Tennessee remains ranked despite controversy over their inclusion, benefiting from a favorable path after Virginia narrowly avoided an upset and Iowa State potentially losing a key player to injury.
- Wisconsin’s early exit was unexpected given their strong Big Ten performance, highlighting the volatility of the tournament.
- Injuries to key players from Duke and Iowa State could create opportunities for underdogs in the upcoming rounds, though player statuses are still uncertain.
- The Bracket Central series provides ongoing analysis and picks for the NCAA Tournaments, maintaining editorial independence despite sponsorship from E*Trade.
