Final Four Favorites: Experts Predict March Madness Champion

Michigan, Arizona, Illinois, and Connecticut battle for national title in Indianapolis

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a college basketball championship game, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in navy blue, orange, and green.The 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament reaches its climactic conclusion with an artistic interpretation of the championship game.Indianapolis Today

The 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament reaches its climax this weekend in Indianapolis, with the Final Four matchups set for Saturday. No. 1 seeds Arizona and Michigan face off, while No. 2 Connecticut takes on No. 3 Illinois. Oddsmakers have the Wolverines as the favorites to win the national championship, but our experts weigh in with their predictions for the title game.

Why it matters

The Final Four represents the culmination of March Madness, one of the most exciting and unpredictable events in all of sports. This year's semifinal matchups feature several of college basketball's blue-blood programs, setting the stage for a potentially epic national championship game on Monday night.

The details

The national semifinal doubleheader tips off on Saturday, April 4, with Connecticut taking on Illinois at 6:09 p.m. ET, followed by Arizona vs. Michigan around 8:49 p.m. ET. Both the Illini and Wolverines are seeking to end lengthy national title droughts for the Big Ten conference, while the Wildcats aim to capture their first championship since 1997 and the Huskies look to win their third title in four seasons.

  • The Final Four takes place on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • The national championship game is scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Michigan Wolverines

A perennial college basketball powerhouse seeking its first national title since 1989.

Arizona Wildcats

A No. 1 seed looking to end a 29-year national championship drought.

Illinois Fighting Illini

A No. 3 seed aiming to capture the Big Ten's first NCAA Tournament title since 2000.

Connecticut Huskies

The defending champions, seeking their third national title in four seasons.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Michigan has the most complete team in the Final Four, with a dominant frontcourt and experienced backcourt. They're my pick to win it all.”

— Dick Vitale, ESPN Analyst

“Arizona has the talent and depth to win it all, but they'll need to slow down Michigan's offense if they want to reach the championship game.”

— Jay Bilas, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The national championship game is scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The takeaway

This year's Final Four features a mix of traditional college basketball powers and recent champions, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Fans can look forward to a thrilling national title game between two of the sport's elite programs.