Dick Vitale Predicts Florida Gators to Win 2026 NCAA Tournament

Legendary ESPN analyst shares his full bracket, sees Gators repeating as champions.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:56pm

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Legendary ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale has revealed his full 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket, predicting the Florida Gators will repeat as national champions. Vitale's bracket features mostly chalk picks, with the Duke Blue Devils, Florida Gators, Arizona Wildcats, and Iowa State Cyclones reaching the Final Four. In the championship game, Vitale has Florida defeating Arizona to win back-to-back titles under head coach Todd Golden.

Why it matters

Vitale's bracket predictions carry significant weight in the college basketball community, as he is one of the most respected and recognizable voices in the sport. His pick of Florida to win it all will likely influence many fans' own bracket selections as they prepare for the upcoming tournament.

The details

In his bracket reveal, Vitale did not project any major upsets in the early rounds of the tournament. He has the top seeds advancing to the Final Four, with Florida facing Arizona in the national championship game. Vitale believes the Gators' experience and coaching will lead them to repeat as champions after winning it all the previous year.

  • The 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket was revealed on Selection Sunday, March 16, 2026.
  • Vitale will join Charles Barkley on the broadcast for the second First Four game in Dayton on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.

The players

Dick Vitale

An 86-year-old legendary college basketball analyst for ESPN who has covered the sport for decades.

Todd Golden

The head coach of the Florida Gators men's basketball team, who Vitale predicts will lead his team to a second consecutive national championship.

Charles Barkley

A former NBA player and current basketball analyst who will join Vitale on the broadcast for the Second Four game on March 18, 2026.

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What’s next

Vitale will join Charles Barkley on the broadcast for the second First Four game in Dayton on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.

The takeaway

Vitale's prediction of a Florida Gators repeat as national champions carries significant weight in the college basketball community. His mostly chalk bracket will likely influence many fans' own selections, though some will hope for more upsets in the tournament.