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NCAA Tournament: Mid-Majors Poised for Upsets Amid NIL Shift

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The NCAA Tournament faces greater competition pressures from the NIL era and the transfer portal, making it harder for smaller schools to compete.
Last season produced few upsets, with only three teams seeded higher than No. 10 winning games.
Duke University and the University of Michigan remain strong but are not invincible.
Analysts expect potential upsets, particularly in matchups featuring mid-major teams such as South Florida and Santa Clara.

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Story summary

The NCAA Tournament faces greater competition pressures from the NIL era and the transfer portal, making it harder for smaller schools to compete.
Last season produced few upsets, with only three teams seeded higher than No. 10 winning games.
Duke University and the University of Michigan remain strong but are not invincible.
Analysts expect potential upsets, particularly in matchups featuring mid-major teams such as South Florida and Santa Clara.