UCF Exceeds Expectations, Earns NCAA Tournament Berth

Knights turn 14th-place preseason projection into March Madness appearance

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:04am

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The UCF men's basketball team, picked to finish 14th in the Big 12 preseason poll, exceeded expectations and earned an NCAA Tournament berth this season, validating head coach Johnny Dawkins' belief in the roster from the start.

Why it matters

UCF’s unexpected tournament appearance showcases the program’s ability to develop talent and exceed low preseason projections, a testament to Dawkins’ coaching and the team’s resilience.

The details

Despite being picked to finish near the bottom of the Big 12 standings, UCF put together a strong season and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. This marks the program’s first tournament appearance since joining the Big 12 in 2023.

  • UCF was picked 14th in the Big 12 preseason poll.
  • The Knights earned an at-large bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The players

Johnny Dawkins

The head coach of the UCF men’s basketball team, who believed in his roster from the start of the season despite low preseason expectations.

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What they’re saying

“We’ve been working hard all season to prove the doubters wrong, and I’m so proud of this team for earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament.”

— Johnny Dawkins, Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

UCF will now prepare to compete in the NCAA Tournament, where they will look to make a deep run and prove their worth against the nation’s top teams.

The takeaway

UCF’s unexpected tournament appearance showcases the program’s ability to develop talent and exceed low preseason projections, a testament to Dawkins’ coaching and the team’s resilience.