North Dakota State Earns No. 14 Seed, Will Face Michigan State

The Bison will make their sixth overall appearance in the NCAA Men's College Tournament.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:56pm

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North Dakota State University's men's basketball team has earned a 14th seed in the 2026 NCAA Men's College Tournament. The Bison will face third-seeded Michigan State in the first round in Buffalo, New York on Thursday.

Why it matters

This marks NDSU's sixth overall appearance in the NCAA Tournament, although their last tournament was in 2019 before the 2020 event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bison will look to pull off an upset against a perennial tournament contender in Michigan State.

The details

NDSU head coach Dave Richman said the team was a little emotional when they heard their school's name announced during the bracket reveal on Sunday. The Bison will be making their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019.

  • The 2026 NCAA Men's College Tournament bracket was revealed on Sunday, March 16, 2026.
  • NDSU will face Michigan State in the first round on Thursday.

The players

Dave Richman

The head coach of the North Dakota State men's basketball team.

North Dakota State University

The public research university located in Fargo, North Dakota that fields the Bison men's basketball team.

Michigan State

The public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan that fields the Spartans men's basketball team, a perennial NCAA Tournament contender.

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What they’re saying

“a little melodramatic right out of the gate but anytime you can hear your school announced, emotional goosebumps.”

— Dave Richman, Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of the NDSU-Michigan State first round matchup will advance to face the winner of the game between the 6th and 11th seeds in the second round.

The takeaway

North Dakota State's men's basketball team has earned a 14th seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, marking their sixth overall appearance in the event. The Bison will look to pull off an upset against a tough Michigan State squad in the first round.