UConn, Illinois, Michigan, and Arizona Advance to 2026 NCAA Final Four

Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America — UConn, Illinois, Michigan, and Arizona have secured their places in the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four, with games set to begin Saturday in Indianapolis.

UConn clinched its berth in dramatic fashion Sunday, overcoming a 19-point deficit to defeat top-seeded Duke 73-72. Huskies guard Braylon Mullins hit a game-winning three-pointer from 35 feet with just 0.4 seconds left, capping a frantic sequence after UConn’s Silas Demary Jr. deflected a midcourt pass and retrieved the loose ball. UConn head coach Dan Hurley described the moment as another instance of "March magic."

This year, Illinois steps into the role of underdog in the Final Four — a notable twist given the program’s sustained Big Ten success. The Illini, seeded third, are making their first trip to the national semifinals since 2005. Their roster features top scorer Tarris Reed Jr., guard Keaton Wagler, and transfer Andrej Stojakovic, son of former NBA All-Star Peja Stojakovic. Head coach Brad Underwood emphasized the program’s determination, noting Illinois has led the Big Ten in wins over the past seven seasons.

The other semifinal pits No. 1 seeds Michigan and Arizona, teams loaded with NBA prospects and representing contrasting approaches to talent acquisition. Arizona, now in the Big 12 and led by four long-term starters, faces a Michigan squad rebuilt through the transfer portal under head coach Dusty May.

Amid recent changes to name, image, and likeness regulations and player transfers, this Final Four highlights the dominance of major conference programs and the diminished role of mid-major underdogs. According to BetMGM, Arizona opened as the slight favorite to win the championship, with Michigan close behind. UConn enters as the long shot, despite its history of tournament success.

The tournament resumes Saturday in Indianapolis. Both Illinois and Michigan are each seeking to bring the Big Ten its first championship since 2000. The outcome remains to be decided, with anticipation building for college basketball’s showcase event.