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 7:02am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a college basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, capturing the energy and intensity of the sport.The Final Four matchups showcase the evolving landscape of college basketball, with a mix of traditional powers and surprising underdogs vying for the national championship.San Jose Today

The Final Four is set for the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament, with Illinois, UConn, Arizona, and Michigan all advancing to the national semifinals in Indianapolis. Illinois, a No. 3 seed, is the lowest-seeded team to make the Final Four, while UConn is back for the third time in four years. Arizona and Michigan, both No. 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 powers and surprising underdogs, reflecting the changing landscape of college basketball. The rise of NIL deals and the transfer portal have reshaped the sport, making it harder for mid-major programs to pull off Cinderella runs. Illinois' appearance as a No. 3 seed is a rare occurrence, while UConn's continued success shows the enduring strength of the program's winning culture.

The details

Illinois, led by a cohort of players with Eastern European roots, including potential NBA lottery pick Keaton Wagler, will take on a deep and talented UConn squad that rallied from a 19-point deficit in the Elite Eight. On the other side of the bracket, No. 1 seeds Arizona and Michigan will square off in a matchup of powerhouse programs that have built their rosters through different means - Arizona through homegrown talent, Michigan through the transfer portal.

  • The Final Four will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2026 in Indianapolis.
  • UConn reached the Final Four for the third time in the last four years.

The players

Keaton Wagler

A potential NBA lottery pick and key player for the Illinois Illini.

Braylon Mullins

The UConn player who hit a game-winning shot from the logo with 0.4 seconds left to send the Huskies to the Final Four.

Brayden Burries

The star forward leading the Arizona Wildcats to the Final Four.

Yaxel Lendeborg

The standout player for the Michigan Wolverines, who have up to nine NBA prospects on their roster.

Brad Underwood

The Illinois head coach who previously led Stephen F. Austin to NCAA tournament upsets.

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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 take place on Saturday, April 5, 2026 in Indianapolis. The winners will advance to the national championship game on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

This year's Final Four showcases the evolving landscape of college basketball, with a mix of traditional powers and surprising underdogs. The rise of NIL deals and the transfer portal have reshaped the sport, making it harder for mid-major programs to pull off Cinderella runs. However, Illinois' appearance as a No. 3 seed and UConn's continued success demonstrate that there are still paths for teams outside the traditional elite to reach the biggest stage in the sport.