Final Four Teams Defy Expectations, Conjure March Madness Magic

From a last-second buzzer-beater to a viral toddler chant, this year's tournament has been full of unforgettable moments.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:36pm

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The 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four features an unlikely lineup, including UConn, Illinois, Arizona, and Michigan. Despite the increasing commercialization of college sports, this year's March Madness tournament has produced a number of heartwarming and unexpected moments, reminding fans that there is still magic left in the game.

Why it matters

The Final Four teams' journeys to the national semifinals defy expectations and showcase the unpredictable nature of March Madness, which remains one of the most exciting and beloved sporting events despite the growing influence of money and business in college athletics.

The details

The tournament has featured several memorable moments, including a last-second buzzer-beater by St. John's to upset Kansas, an upset win by Iowa over defending champion Florida, and a near-halfcourt game-winner by Vanderbilt that rimmed out. Additionally, the underdog High Point Panthers made a surprising run as a 12-seed, with their coach declaring they were better than their seeding suggested.

  • The 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four takes place on April 5-7 in Indianapolis.
  • The tournament's first semifinal game between UConn and Illinois is scheduled for Saturday, April 5.

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, who are making their third Final Four appearance in four years.

Brad Underwood

The 62-year-old head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, who is leading the program to its first Final Four in 21 years.

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, who are returning to the Final Four for the first time in 25 years.

Braylon Mullins

The UConn player who hit the game-winning shot to send the Huskies to the Final Four, returning to his hometown of Indianapolis to play in the national semifinals.

Aiden Maracigan

A 20-month-old toddler whose viral video of him chanting for the University of Arizona has captured the excitement of the tournament.

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What they’re saying

“It is so hard to do what we have been able to do, historical level things. She said, 'Can I slap you instead of pinch you?'”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

“Every player, every coach, dreams of this. It's taken me 39 years, and I'm going to enjoy the moment.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach, Illinois Fighting Illini

“It's awesome to see that people are so excited and care so much. What makes my job really cool is people care. People care both ways, and it brings people together and makes people emotional.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, Arizona Wildcats

What’s next

The Final Four teams will compete in the national semifinals on Saturday, April 5, with the championship game scheduled for Monday, April 7.

The takeaway

This year's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament has been a reminder that despite the increasing commercialization of college sports, the magic and unpredictability of March Madness still captivates fans and produces unforgettable moments that transcend the game.