Illinois, UConn, Arizona, and Michigan advance to Final Four

Underdogs Illinois and UConn join powerhouses Arizona and Michigan in college basketball's biggest stage

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:07pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting fragmented, geometric shapes in shades of blue, orange, and green, representing the dynamic action and competing forces of a college basketball game.The Final Four matchups will feature a mix of traditional powerhouses and upstart underdogs, reflecting the evolving landscape of college basketball.Tucson Today

The Final Four is set as Illinois, UConn, Arizona, and Michigan all advanced to the national semifinals in Indianapolis. Illinois, a 3-seed, is the lowest-seeded team to make the Final Four, while UConn, a 2-seed, stunned 1-seed Duke to return to the big stage. Arizona and Michigan, both 1-seeds, will face off in a marquee matchup of top contenders.

Why it matters

This year's Final Four features a mix of traditional powerhouses and surprising underdogs, reflecting the changing landscape of college basketball. The inclusion of Illinois and UConn shows the impact of the transfer portal and NIL deals in reshaping the sport, while the Arizona-Michigan showdown pits two teams loaded with NBA talent.

The details

Illinois, led by the 'Balkan Bloc' of Eastern European players including potential lottery pick Keaton Wagler, will take on a deep and experienced UConn squad that has reached the Final Four three times in the last four years. In the other semifinal, Arizona and Michigan will square off in a battle of No. 1 seeds, with both teams boasting rosters filled with future NBA talent.

  • The Final Four will take place on April 5-7, 2026 in Indianapolis.
  • Illinois and UConn will play in the first semifinal on April 5.
  • Arizona and Michigan will face off in the second semifinal on April 5.

The players

Keaton Wagler

A potential NBA lottery pick and leader of the 'Balkan Bloc' on the Illinois roster.

Braylon Mullins

The Indy native who hit the game-winning shot from the logo to send UConn to the Final Four.

Brayden Burries

The star player for Arizona, leading a roster loaded with NBA prospects.

Yaxel Lendeborg

The top player for Michigan, part of a Wolverines team with up to nine NBA prospects.

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What they’re saying

“It's a UConn culture, a UConn heart. We believe we're supposed to win this time of year.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach

“I don't want to sound arrogant. I've never doubted us getting to a Final Four would happen. I have thought we have had other teams capable. But I also know how doggone hard it is to do it.”

— Brad Underwood, Illinois Head Coach

What’s next

The Final Four matchups will be played on April 5, with the championship game scheduled for April 7 in Indianapolis.

The takeaway

This year's Final Four showcases the changing dynamics of college basketball, with traditional powers like Arizona and Michigan facing off against upstart programs like Illinois and UConn that have leveraged the transfer portal and NIL deals to build competitive rosters. The mix of familiar faces and new contenders promises an exciting conclusion to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.