Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

2026 NIT Field Set: Auburn, Wake Forest Earn No. 1 Seeds

3/16/2026

47 9 Full Breakdown

Center

Auburn Hosts NIT

Selection Sunday confirmed the 2026 NIT field, with Auburn, Wake Forest, New Mexico, and Tulsa earning No. 1 seeds.
Auburn will host South Alabama on March 17, 2026.
First-round games run March 17–18, 2026.
The tournament ends in Indianapolis, Indiana, with the semifinals on April 2 and the championship on April 5, under the College Basketball Crown change expanding top-conference participation.
Oklahoma and Seton Hall declined NIT invitations.

Right

Duke Dominates Seeding

Duke University earns the No. 1 seed in the East Region for the 2026 NCAA men's tournament, led by Cameron Boozer, a potential NBA No. 1 pick.
Florida, Arizona, and Michigan also secure No. 1 seeds in their regions, shaping the top field.
In the women's tournament, the University of Connecticut is the top seed aiming for its 13th title, with South Carolina, UCLA, and Texas as No. 1 seeds.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA men's basketball tournament expanded to 68 teams in 2011, introducing the "First Four" round to enhance competition and participation. This change followed the 1985 expansion to 64 teams, which significantly increased the tournament's popularity. As teams like UConn pursue their 13th title in 2026, the expansion continues to influence recruitment and fan engagement in college basketball.

1 of 3

Auburn Hosts NIT

Selection Sunday confirmed the 2026 NIT field, with Auburn, Wake Forest, New Mexico, and Tulsa earning No. 1 seeds.
Auburn will host South Alabama on March 17, 2026.
First-round games run March 17–18, 2026.
The tournament ends in Indianapolis, Indiana, with the semifinals on April 2 and the championship on April 5, under the College Basketball Crown change expanding top-conference participation.
Oklahoma and Seton Hall declined NIT invitations.

1 / 3