NIT Bracket 2026 Revealed, Auburn and Wake Forest Among Top Seeds

The 32-team National Invitation Tournament field and first-round schedule have been announced.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:48am

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The 2026 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) bracket has been revealed, with the Auburn Tigers, Wake Forest Demon Deacons, New Mexico Lobos, and Tulsa Golden Hurricanes earning the four No. 1 seeds. The first-round games will tip off on March 17 and 18, with the semifinals and final taking place in Indianapolis in early April.

Why it matters

The NIT provides a postseason opportunity for teams that narrowly missed out on the NCAA Tournament, allowing them to compete for a championship and build momentum for the following season. While not as prestigious as the Big Dance, the NIT still holds significance for programs looking to end their year on a high note.

The details

Along with Auburn, other notable teams in the 2026 NIT field include the Oklahoma State Cowboys, Dayton Flyers, California Golden Bears, and Nevada Wolf Pack, all of whom received No. 2 seeds. The four regions are based on the top seeds, with the second round and quarterfinal schedule to be announced after the first-round games are completed. Both the semifinal and final will take place in Indianapolis, with the championship game held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 5.

  • The NIT bracket was revealed on March 16, 2026.
  • The first-round games will be played on March 17 and 18, 2026.
  • The semifinals will be held on April 4, 2026 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
  • The NIT championship game will be played on April 5, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

The players

Auburn Tigers

A top seed in the 2026 NIT, the Auburn Tigers were one of the bubble teams that narrowly missed out on the NCAA Tournament.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are a No. 1 seed in the 2026 NIT and are a two-time champion of the tournament, winning in 2000.

Oklahoma Sooners

The Oklahoma Sooners were also on the NCAA Tournament bubble but ultimately declined an invitation to the 2026 NIT.

Oklahoma State Cowboys

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are a No. 2 seed in the 2026 NIT, representing an in-state rival to the Oklahoma Sooners.

Dayton Flyers

The Dayton Flyers are a No. 2 seed in the 2026 NIT after losing in their conference tournament, costing them an automatic NCAA Tournament bid.

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What’s next

The second round and quarterfinal schedule of the 2026 NIT will be announced after the first-round games are completed.

The takeaway

The 2026 NIT provides a valuable postseason opportunity for teams that narrowly missed out on the NCAA Tournament, allowing them to compete for a championship and gain valuable experience heading into the next season. While not as prestigious as the Big Dance, the NIT remains an important part of the college basketball landscape.