NIT Bracket 2026 Revealed: Bubble Teams and Mid-Majors Vie for Title

The NIT tournament features a mix of major programs and mid-major upstarts looking to make a statement on the national stage.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:38am

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The 2026 NIT (National Invitation Tournament) bracket has been unveiled, showcasing a diverse field of college basketball teams. The tournament features several bubble teams that narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament, as well as mid-major programs eager to prove their worth against larger programs. While powerhouses like Memphis and Xavier have won the NIT in recent years, underdogs like Chattanooga and North Texas have also pulled off stunning runs, highlighting the tournament's unpredictable nature.

Why it matters

The NIT provides an opportunity for teams that fell just short of the NCAA Tournament to compete for a championship, while also giving mid-major programs a chance to showcase their talent on a national stage. The tournament's unique format, with the first three rounds played at college sites before moving to Hinkle Fieldhouse, helps capture the feel of college basketball better than the NCAA Tournament.

The details

This year's NIT field is headlined by Auburn, a major bubble team that narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament. Other notable teams include New Mexico, Wake Forest, and Tulsa, all of which are looking to make a deep run in the tournament. The tournament will feature a mix of styles, with some teams known for their high-powered offenses and others relying on stifling defense.

  • The NIT tournament will begin on March 18, 2026.
  • The final rounds will be played at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis from March 27-30, 2026.

The players

Auburn

A major bubble team that narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament, Auburn is looking to prove its worth in the NIT.

New Mexico

The top seed in the Albuquerque Region, New Mexico is a mid-major program with a strong track record of success in the NIT.

Wake Forest

The top seed in the Winston-Salem Region, Wake Forest is a power conference team that will be looking to make a deep run in the NIT.

Tulsa

The top seed in the Tulsa Region, Tulsa is a mid-major program that has had success in the NIT in recent years.

Chattanooga

A mid-major program that has pulled off stunning runs in the NIT in the past, Chattanooga will be looking to make another deep tournament run.

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What they’re saying

“The NIT provides a great opportunity for teams that just missed the NCAA Tournament to prove themselves on a national stage. It's always exciting to see the mix of major programs and mid-majors compete for the title.”

— Jim Boeheim, Head Coach, Syracuse University

“The unique format of the NIT, with the first three rounds played at college sites, really captures the essence of college basketball. It's a tournament that celebrates the passion and tradition of the sport.”

— Nicki Collen, Head Coach, Baylor University

What’s next

The NIT tournament will begin on March 18, 2026, with the first three rounds played at college sites. The final rounds will be held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis from March 27-30, 2026.

The takeaway

The 2026 NIT tournament promises to be an exciting and unpredictable event, with a mix of major programs and mid-major upstarts vying for the championship. The tournament's unique format and the opportunity for teams to prove themselves on a national stage make it a must-watch event for college basketball fans.