North Dakota State Earns No. 14 Seed in 2026 March Madness

Bison to Face No. 3 Michigan State in Opening Round in Buffalo

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2026 men's March Madness basketball bracket has been released, and North Dakota State has earned a No. 14 seed in the East regional. The Bison will take on No. 3 Michigan State in their opening game on Thursday, March 19 in Buffalo, New York. Limited tickets are still available for fans looking to support North Dakota State's NCAA Tournament run.

Why it matters

North Dakota State is making its return to the NCAA Tournament after last qualifying in 2019. The Bison's appearance marks an exciting moment for the program and its passionate fanbase, who are eager to see their team compete on the big stage against a formidable opponent in Michigan State.

The details

North Dakota State earned its spot in the 2026 NCAA Tournament by playing well during the regular season. The Bison will face a tough test in the opening round against a Michigan State team that is seeded third in the East regional. Limited tickets are still available for fans who want to witness North Dakota State's March Madness journey in person at the first-weekend games in Buffalo.

  • The 2026 men's March Madness bracket was revealed on March 15, 2026.
  • North Dakota State will play its opening-round game against Michigan State on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
  • The first weekend of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, including North Dakota State's games, will take place in Buffalo, New York.

The players

North Dakota State

The North Dakota State Bison are the athletic teams of North Dakota State University, a public research university located in Fargo, North Dakota.

Michigan State

The Michigan State Spartans are the athletic teams of Michigan State University, a public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Limited tickets for the first weekend of March Madness in Buffalo, N.Y. are available. Fans should shop for North Dakota State NCAA Tournament tickets now to secure their spot to support the Bison.

The takeaway

North Dakota State's return to the NCAA Tournament after a seven-year absence is an exciting moment for the program and its loyal fanbase. The Bison's opening-round matchup against a formidable Michigan State squad promises an intriguing March Madness clash, and North Dakota State fans will be eager to witness their team's quest for an upset victory and a potential deep tournament run.