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March Madness 2026 Bracket Predictions: Upsets, Sleepers Revealed
SportsLine's proven computer model forecasts surprising results in the 2026 NCAA Tournament
Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:33pm
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The 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket is set, with familiar programs like Duke, UConn, Florida and Michigan earning top seeds. However, the SportsLine computer simulation model has identified several potential upsets and sleeper teams that could shake up the March Madness landscape. The model has a strong track record of predicting bracket-busting results, including calling massive wins by double-digit seeds in recent tournaments.
Why it matters
The NCAA Tournament is one of the most exciting sporting events of the year, with millions of fans filling out brackets and hoping to predict the Cinderella runs and shocking upsets that make March Madness so captivating. By analyzing the 2026 bracket through advanced computer simulations, this report provides valuable insights that can help readers make more informed picks and potentially gain an edge in their tournament pools.
The details
The SportsLine Projection Model has identified a few key potential upsets in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. In the South Region, the model likes No. 11 seed VCU to knock off No. 6 seed North Carolina, which has been dealing with injuries and inconsistent play down the stretch. Meanwhile, in the same region, the model predicts No. 10 seed Texas A&M will defeat No. 7 seed Saint Mary's, citing the Aggies' high-powered offense and the Gaels' recent struggles. The model has a strong track record of accurately forecasting these types of bracket-busting results.
- The 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket was released on Selection Sunday, March 16, 2026.
- The first round of the tournament begins on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
The players
SportsLine Projection Model
An advanced computer simulation model that has a proven track record of accurately predicting NCAA Tournament upsets and results.
Keith Gill
The chair of the 2025-26 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee, which is responsible for selecting and seeding the teams in the NCAA Tournament.
VCU Rams
The No. 11 seed in the South Region, who the model believes can pull off an upset over No. 6 seed North Carolina.
Texas A&M Aggies
The No. 10 seed in the South Region, who the model predicts will defeat No. 7 seed Saint Mary's.
North Carolina Tar Heels
The No. 6 seed in the South Region, who the model believes are vulnerable to an upset loss against VCU.
What’s next
The first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament begins on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Fans will be eager to see if the model's predicted upsets and sleeper teams come to fruition as the madness of March unfolds.
The takeaway
The 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket features many familiar powerhouse programs, but the SportsLine computer model has identified several potential Cinderella stories that could shake up the field. By accurately forecasting past bracket-busting results, the model provides valuable insights for fans looking to gain an edge in their tournament predictions and pools.
