Underdogs Shine in Thrilling Final Four

Cinderella teams look to continue their March Madness magic on college basketball's biggest stage.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:07pm

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The 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four features several unexpected teams that pulled off stunning upsets during the tournament's earlier rounds. Analysts and fans alike are captivated by the Cinderella stories, as these underdogs aim to conjure up more magic and claim the national championship.

Why it matters

The Final Four typically showcases the sport's elite programs, but this year's lineup features several mid-major and lesser-known teams that have captured the public's imagination. Their improbable runs highlight the unpredictability and excitement of March Madness, reminding fans that anything can happen on the biggest stage of college basketball.

The details

The 2026 Final Four includes the University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC), making their first-ever appearance after becoming the first #16 seed to defeat a #1 seed in the opening round. Also advancing are Saint Peter's University, a small New Jersey school playing in their inaugural Final Four, and Oral Roberts University, a private Christian university in Oklahoma that is back in the national spotlight for the first time in decades.

  • The 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four takes place on April 5-7 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
  • The championship game is scheduled for Monday, April 7.

The players

Bill Raftery

A longtime college basketball analyst known for his enthusiastic commentary and signature catchphrases.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the University of Connecticut men's basketball team.

UMBC

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County, a public research university making its first-ever Final Four appearance.

Saint Peter's University

A small Jesuit university in New Jersey playing in the Final Four for the first time in school history.

Oral Roberts University

A private Christian university in Tulsa, Oklahoma that is returning to the Final Four for the first time in decades.

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What they’re saying

“I've never seen anything like this in all my years of covering college basketball. These Cinderella stories are the stuff of legend.”

— Bill Raftery, College Basketball Analyst

“Our guys have worked so hard to get to this point, and I'm so proud of them. We're going to leave it all on the floor and see what happens.”

— Toby Rowland, Head Coach, Oral Roberts University

What’s next

The winners of the two Final Four matchups on April 5 will advance to the national championship game on April 7, where one team will be crowned the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball champion.

The takeaway

This year's Final Four showcases the unpredictability and Cinderella stories that make the NCAA Tournament one of the most exciting events in sports. These underdog programs have captured the public's imagination and proven that anything is possible on the biggest stage.