It is time to close down my coverage of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, one I will always remember quite well for the Illinois Fighting Illini getting back to the Final Four. Here's hoping that I don't have to wait another 21 years for the Illini to return, and that you enjoy all of my writing about the greatest sporting event, the NCAA Tournament. 

2026 NCAA Tournament Coverage at The College Basketball Nostalgic

Region Previews and Observations  

• East Region: 10 Bracket Observations.
• West Region: 10 Bracket Observations. 
• South Region: 10 Bracket Observations. 
• Midwest Region: 10 Bracket Observations. 

First Four Games: 

• First Four Tourney Memories for UMBC, Howard, Texas and N.C. State. 
• First Four Tourney Memories for Prairie View A & M, Lehigh, Miami (OH) and SMU.
• First Four, Game #1: Live Running Reactions of UMBC vs. Howard. 
• First Four, Game #2: Live Running Reactions of Texas vs. N.C. State. 
• First Four, Game #3: Live Running Reactions of Prairie View A & M vs. Lehigh. 
• First Four, Game #4: Live Running Reactions of Miami (OH) vs. SMU. 
• First Four Full Game Replays via March Madness.

First Round Games 

• Day 1 Thursday Afternoon Tip Times and First-Round Memories for Each Team.
• Day 1 Thursday Evening Tip Times and First-Round Memories for Each Team.
• Day 2 Friday Afternoon Tip Times and First-Round Memories for Each Team.  
• Day 2 Friday Evening Tip Times and First-Round Memories for Each Team. 
• First Round, Game #1: Live Running Reactions of TCU vs. Ohio State. 
• First Round, Game #4: Live Running Reactions of Second Half of High Point vs. Wisconsin. 
• First Round, Game #5: Live Running Reactions of Second Half of Siena vs. Duke. 
• First Round Day 1 Afternoon Updates. 
• First Round, Game #9: Live Running Reactions of VCU vs. North Carolina. 
• First Round, Game #13: Live Running Reactions of Penn vs. Illinois. 
• First Round, Game #24: Live Running Reactions of Miami (OH) vs. Tennessee.
• First Round Day 2 Afternoon Updates. 
• First Round Day 2 Live Evening Whip Around. 
• First Round, Day 1 Full Game Replays via March Madness.
• First Round, Day 2 Full Game Replays via March Madness. 

Second Round Games

• Second Round Saturday Game Predictions. 
• Second Round, Game #33: Live Running Reactions of St. Louis vs. Michigan. 
• Second Round, Game #34: Live Running Reactions of Louisville vs. Michigan State. 
• Second Round, Game #35: Live Running Reactions of TCU vs. Duke. 
• Second Round, Game #38: Live Running Reactions of VCU vs. Illinois. 
• Second Round Sunday Game Predictions and Reactions. 
• Second Round, Day 1 Full Game Replays via March Madness.
• Second Round, Day 2 Full Game Replays via March Madness.

Opening Weekend Reactions for the First and Second Rounds 

• Opening Weekend Awards and Flowers. 
• Opening Weekend Final Reflections, What I Got Right and Wrong, What I Regret and Want to Forget.

Sweet Sixteen

• Sweet Sixteen Tip Times and Suggestions.
• Sweet Sixteen Preview: Texas vs. Purdue. 
• Sweet Sixteen Preview: Iowa vs. Nebraska. 
• Sweet Sixteen Preview: Arkansas vs. Arizona. 
• Sweet Sixteen Preview: Illinois vs. Houston. 
• Sweet Sixteen, Game #50: Live Running Reactions of Second Half of Iowa vs. Nebraska. 
• Sweet Sixteen, Game #52: Live Running Reactions of Illinois vs. Houston. 
• Sweet Sixteen Preview: St. John's vs. Duke. 
• Sweet Sixteen Preview: Alabama vs. Michigan. 
• Sweet Sixteen Preview: Michigan State vs. UCONN.
• Sweet Sixteen Preview: Tennessee vs. Iowa State. 
• Sweet Sixteen, Game #54: Live Running Reactions of Alabama vs. Michigan. 
• Sweet Sixteen, Game #55: Live Running Reactions of Michigan State vs. UCONN.
• Sweet Sixteen, Game #56: Live Running Reactions of Second Half of Tennessee vs. Iowa State. 
• Sweet Sixteen, Night 1 Full Game Replays via March Madness. 
• Sweet Sixteen, Night 2 Full Game Replays via March Madness. 

Elite Eight 

• Saturday and Sunday Tip Times, and One Elite Tourney Memory for Each Program. 
• Elite Eight, Game #57: Live Running Reactions of Iowa vs. Illinois. 
• Elite Eight, Game #58: Live Game Updates of Purdue vs. Arizona.  
• Elite Eight, Game #59: Live Game Updates of Tennessee vs. Michigan. 
• Elite Eight, Game #60: Live Game Updates of UCONN vs. Duke. 
• Elite Eight Full Game Replays via March Madness. 

Final Four

• Saturday Tip Times and Initial Thoughts about Illinois vs. UCONN and Michigan vs. Arizona. 
• Reflections on the Illinois Fighting Illini Returning to the Promised Land, The Final Four. 
• Final Four Program Profiles: Illinois Fighting Illini. 
• Final Four Program Profiles: UCONN Huskies. 
• Final Four Program Profiles: Michigan Wolverines. 
• Final Four Program Profiles: Arizona Wildcats. 
• Final Four, Illinois vs. UCONN Tale of the Tape (11-28-25 Game Review).
• Final Four, Position Breakdowns: Illinois vs. UCONN. 
• Final Four, Position Breakdowns: Michigan vs. Arizona. 
• Final Four Histories of Illinois, UCONN, Michigan and Arizona. 
• Complete Guide to the 2026 Final Four. 
• Final Four, Game #61: Live Updates of Illinois vs. UCONN. 
• Final Four, Game #62: Live Updates of Michigan vs. Arizona. 
• Final Four Recap: Four Observations from Saturday's Games. 
• Final Four: A Heartfelt Thank You to the 2025-26 Illinois Fighting Illini. 
• Final Four Full Game Replays via March Madness. 

National Championship Game 

• National Championship Game Preview: UCONN vs. Michigan. 
• National Championship, Game #63: Live Running Reactions of UCONN vs. Michigan. 
• National Championship Game: Ten Reactions to Michigan Winning Its First Title Since 1989. 
• National Championship Full Game Replay via March Madness. 
  

2026 NCAA Tournament Final Reflections

• Final Reflections #1: The College Basketball Nostalgic's 1st, 2nd & 3rd Teams for Final Four Teams. 
• Final Reflections #2: Ranking Each Round of Games by the Stud, Mud, Dud and Crud System. 
• Final Reflections #3: Ranking the Best and Worst, Most Memorable and Disappointing Tourney Games. 
• Final Reflections #4: Five Takeaways from Watching and Writing about This Year's March Madness. 

March Madness YouTube Channel Videos of the 2026 NCAA Tournament

• Best Dunks, Assists and Blocks of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. 
• Uncut Top Finishes of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. 
• Alex Karaban and Braden Smith Career Highlights in the NCAA Tournament. 

The amazing March Madness YouTube channel has uploaded the National Championship Game of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Make the jump to access the UCONN-Michigan title game and all coverage of the championship at The College Basketball Nostalgic. 

The amazing March Madness YouTube channel has uploaded both Final Four games of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Make the jump to access these games and read all coverage of the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at The College Basketball Nostalgic. 

Here's a two-hour doozy of the tightest finishes of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, courtesy of the March Madness YouTube channel. Enjoy! :-) 

As I anxiously await the amazing March Madness YouTube channel uploading the full Final Four games between Illinois and UCONN and Michigan and Arizona, and the national title game between UCONN and Michigan, these videos were dropped today of the NCAA Tournament careers of the Huskies' Alex Karaban and the Purdue Boilermakers' Braden Smith. Enjoy. 

The amazing March Madness YouTube channel has uploaded some of the best plays from the 2026 NCAA Tournament, including nasty dunks, filthy assists and soul-crushing shot blocks. Enjoy below. 

The amazing March Madness YouTube channel has uploaded the four full games from the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Make the jump to access these games and read all coverage of the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at The College Basketball Nostalgic. 

The amazing March Madness YouTube channel has uploaded the full four games from the second night of the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Make the jump to access these games and read all coverage of the second night of the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at The College Basketball Nostalgic. 

The amazing March Madness YouTube channel has uploaded the full four games from the first night of the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Make the jump to access these games and read all coverage of the first night of the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at The College Basketball Nostalgic. 

The amazing March Madness YouTube channel has uploaded all 8 second round games from the second day of the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Make the jump to access these games and read all coverage of the second day of the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at The College Basketball Nostalgic. 

The amazing March Madness YouTube channel has uploaded all 8 second round games from the first day of the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Make the jump to access these games and read all coverage of the first day of the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at The College Basketball Nostalgic. 

The amazing March Madness YouTube channel has uploaded all 16 first round games from the second day of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Make the jump to access these games and read all coverage of the second day of the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at The College Basketball Nostalgic. 

The amazing March Madness YouTube channel has uploaded all 16 first round games from the first day of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Make the jump to access these games and read all coverage of the first day of the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at The College Basketball Nostalgic. 

The amazing March Madness YouTube channel has uploaded all four of the First Four games from the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Make the jump to access these games and read all coverage of The First Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at The College Basketball Nostalgic. 

Well, the last month has been a pure blast writing about the 2026 NCAA Tournament. It's time to close the book on this chapter of The College Basketball Nostalgic, though more content is coming soon, related to the transfer portal and other college basketball retrospectives. Something I am thinking about doing is a 30th anniversary special of the Chicago Bulls run through the 1995-96 NBA playoffs. While pro basketball, I have a lot of special memories to share, and quite frankly, I don't mind hosting it on a college basketball related site. :-)

In the meantime, here is all of the writing I have done the last month prepping and covering the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Enjoy! :-) 

2026 NCAA Tournament Coverage at The College Basketball Nostalgic

Region Previews and Observations  

• East Region: 10 Bracket Observations.
• West Region: 10 Bracket Observations. 
• South Region: 10 Bracket Observations. 
• Midwest Region: 10 Bracket Observations. 
  

First Four Games: 

• First Four Tourney Memories for UMBC, Howard, Texas and N.C. State. 
  
• First Four Tourney Memories for Prairie View A & M, Lehigh, Miami (OH) and SMU.
  
• First Four, Game #1: Live Running Reactions of UMBC vs. Howard. 
  
• First Four, Game #2: Live Running Reactions of Texas vs. N.C. State. 
• First Four, Game #3: Live Running Reactions of Prairie View A & M vs. Lehigh. 
  
• First Four, Game #4: Live Running Reactions of Miami (OH) vs. SMU. 

First Round Games 

• Day 1 Thursday Afternoon Tip Times and First-Round Memories for Each Team.
  
• Day 1 Thursday Evening Tip Times and First-Round Memories for Each Team.
  
• Day 2 Friday Afternoon Tip Times and First-Round Memories for Each Team.  
  
• Day 2 Friday Evening Tip Times and First-Round Memories for Each Team. 
  
• First Round, Game #1: Live Running Reactions of TCU vs. Ohio State. 
  
• First Round, Game #4: Live Running Reactions of Second Half of High Point vs. Wisconsin. 
  
• First Round, Game #5: Live Running Reactions of Second Half of Siena vs. Duke. 
  
• First Round Day 1 Afternoon Updates. 
  
• First Round, Game #9: Live Running Reactions of VCU vs. North Carolina. 
  
• First Round, Game #13: Live Running Reactions of Penn vs. Illinois. 
  
• First Round, Game #24: Live Running Reactions of Miami (OH) vs. Tennessee.
  
• First Round Day 2 Afternoon Updates. 
  
• First Round Day 2 Live Evening Whip Around. 
  

Second Round Games

• Second Round Saturday Game Predictions. 
  
• Second Round, Game #33: Live Running Reactions of St. Louis vs. Michigan. 
  
• Second Round, Game #34: Live Running Reactions of Louisville vs. Michigan State. 
  
• Second Round, Game #35: Live Running Reactions of TCU vs. Duke. 
• Second Round, Game #38: Live Running Reactions of VCU vs. Illinois. 
• Second Round Sunday Game Predictions and Reactions. 

Opening Weekend Reactions for the First and Second Rounds 

• Opening Weekend Awards and Flowers. 
• Opening Weekend Final Reflections, What I Got Right and Wrong, What I Regret and Want to Forget.

Sweet Sixteen

• Sweet Sixteen Tip Times and Suggestions.
• Sweet Sixteen Preview: Texas vs. Purdue. 
• Sweet Sixteen Preview: Iowa vs. Nebraska. 
• Sweet Sixteen Preview: Arkansas vs. Arizona. 
• Sweet Sixteen Preview: Illinois vs. Houston. 
  
• Sweet Sixteen, Game #50: Live Running Reactions of Second Half of Iowa vs. Nebraska. 
  
• Sweet Sixteen, Game #52: Live Running Reactions of Illinois vs. Houston. 
  
• Sweet Sixteen Preview: St. John's vs. Duke. 
• Sweet Sixteen Preview: Alabama vs. Michigan. 
• Sweet Sixteen Preview: Michigan State vs. UCONN.
• Sweet Sixteen Preview: Tennessee vs. Iowa State. 
• Sweet Sixteen, Game #54: Live Running Reactions of Alabama vs. Michigan. 
• Sweet Sixteen, Game #55: Live Running Reactions of Michigan State vs. UCONN.
• Sweet Sixteen, Game #56: Live Running Reactions of Second Half of Tennessee vs. Iowa State. 

Elite Eight 

• Saturday and Sunday Tip Times, and One Elite Tourney Memory for Each Program. 
• Elite Eight, Game #57: Live Running Reactions of Iowa vs. Illinois. 
• Elite Eight, Game #58: Live Game Updates of Purdue vs. Arizona.  
• Elite Eight, Game #59: Live Game Updates of Tennessee vs. Michigan. 
• Elite Eight, Game #60: Live Game Updates of UCONN vs. Duke. 

Final Four

• Saturday Tip Times and Initial Thoughts about Illinois vs. UCONN and Michigan vs. Arizona. 
• Reflections on the Illinois Fighting Illini Returning to the Promised Land, The Final Four. 
• Final Four Program Profiles: Illinois Fighting Illini. 
  
• Final Four Program Profiles: UCONN Huskies. 
  
• Final Four Program Profiles: Michigan Wolverines. 
  
• Final Four Program Profiles: Arizona Wildcats. 
  
• Final Four, Illinois vs. UCONN Tale of the Tape (11-28-25 Game Review).
  
• Final Four, Position Breakdowns: Illinois vs. UCONN. 
  
• Final Four, Position Breakdowns: Michigan vs. Arizona. 
  
• Final Four Histories of Illinois, UCONN, Michigan and Arizona. 
  
• Complete Guide to the 2026 Final Four. 
  
• Final Four, Game #61: Live Updates of Illinois vs. UCONN. 
  
• Final Four, Game #62: Live Updates of Michigan vs. Arizona. 
• Final Four Recap: Four Observations from Saturday's Games. 
• Final Four: A Heartfelt Thank You to the 2025-26 Illinois Fighting Illini. 

National Championship Game 

• National Championship Game Preview: UCONN vs. Michigan. 
• National Championship, Game #63: Live Running Reactions of UCONN vs. Michigan. 
• National Championship Game: Ten Reactions to Michigan Winning Its First Title Since 1989. 

2026 NCAA Tournament Final Reflections

• Final Reflections #1: The College Basketball Nostalgic's 1st, 2nd & 3rd Teams for Final Four Teams. 
• Final Reflections #2: Ranking Each Round of Games by the Stud, Mud, Dud and Crud System. 
• Final Reflections #3: Ranking the Best and Worst, Most Memorable and Disappointing Tourney Games. 
• Final Reflections #4: Five Takeaways from Watching and Writing about This Year's March Madness. 

The 2026 NCAA Tournament ended nearly a week ago, with all eyes turning to the Portal Kombat of the college basketball transfer portal. Still, this year's tournament offers a few key takeaways worth sharing for college basketball in general and future tourneys. Make the jump to read my five key takeaways from the 2026 NCAA Tournament.  

While I came to the conclusion yesterday that the 2026 NCAA Tournament was a decent tourney that had some quite entertaining games but lacked enough upsets and a true Cinderella, I will fondly remember this tourney  since my Illinois Fighting Illini unexpectedly returned to the Final Four for the first time in 21 years. On Thursday the amazing March Madness channel on YouTube began uploading full games of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, which is a perfect segue to review some of the most memorable and disappointing games of this past tourney. Make the jump to review the top games of each round and the entire 2026 NCAA Tournament. 

This past March wasn't filled with as much madness as in past NCAA Tournaments, though there were a fair share of memorable games that certainly stood out. Before looking at the most memorable and disappointing games of the 2026 NCAA Tournament (coming tomorrow), let's review each round of games by The College Basketball Nostalgic's Stud, Mud, Dud and Crud System. A Stud round is one that has plenty of upsets and compelling games. A Mud round is one that has some exciting moments but doesn't quite get to the Stud level, maybe due to a lack of upsets. A Dud round is one that ultimately disappoints while a Crud round is one that is unwatchable, usually due to noncompetitive games. Make the jump to review my round-by-round rankings of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. 

After 63 games being played, with Michigan claiming the championship, the 2026 NCAA Tournament has come to an end. Now is the time to reflect upon the last three weeks, beginning with the first, second and third teams for the four schools that made the Final Four. Note: These selections are based upon my observations of these teams. They reflect how the players played not only in the Final Four but the entire NCAA Tournament. Make the jump to see my first, second and third-teams for the 2026 NCAA Tournament Final Four participants. 

While last night's National Championship Game will not go down in the annals of college basketball history as an all-time classic, it did leave some lasting impressions. Ultimately, Michigan was the better team and won, though Connecticut has nothing to be ashamed of as the Huskies did a lot of things well and were right there to the very end. While other teams folded against the overwhelming Wolverines during similar situations this tournament, Connecticut did not blink and played the game at its pace and style, holding a Michigan team to just 69 points when it was scoring in the 90s all tournament long. Even in defeat, UCONN made it clear that a national championship must go through the Huskies, a testament to the coaching and culture of Head Coach Dan Hurley. For Michigan, this title was the result of Head Coach Dusty May not only constructing but properly utilizing one of the most impressive and imposing rosters, especially in the frontcourt, during this transfer portal era. Michigan looked the part all season and came through when it mattered most in March. Give credit to the Wolverines for fulfilling its promise, winning its first title since 1989 and bringing the championship back to the Big Ten for the first time since 2000. Make the jump to read my ten reactions to last night's national championship game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Connecticut Huskies. 

Michigan wins the national championship in an ugly game. UCONN did not quit, but Michigan was just too big and physical. The Wolverines only made two threes tonight but were 25/28 from the free throw line. UCONN was 12/16 from the line. At the end of the day Michigan could score more easily in the paint, where it had a 36 to 22 advantage.  UCONN literally has to be killed to be eliminated during the NCAA Tournament. The Huskies showed great heart and culture, outrebounding Michigan 43 to 36.  There is a lot to break down from this game tomorrow. Make the jump to see the final stats of Michigan's title-clinching win against the Connecticut Huskies. 

"This is the end, my only friend, the end." There is always a sense of anticipation and sadness the morning of the National Championship Game of college basketball, as a new team is soon crowned champion while the last three weeks of basketball madness and bliss come to an end. Tonight the 2026 NCAA Tournament reaches it resolution, with the #2 Connecticut Huskies facing the #1 Michigan Wolverines. UCONN is seeking its third national title in four seasons while Michigan is shooting for its first championship since 1989. Which team will earn its sixth and final victory in the tournament, culminating with a well-earned championship? Make the jump to read my position-by-position breakdown and prediction for tonight's National Championship Game between the UCONN Huskies and the Michigan Wolverines. 

Sunday, April 5, 2026 

Words cannot express the sadness and disappointment of yesterday's loss to Connecticut during the Final Four. It is going to take a few days to process this defeat and even rewatch the game, which I tried to do early this morning before stopping with UCONN leading 3-1 as Kylan Boswell attempted a second free throw. Yesterday's game feels like such a missed opportunity as Illinois was the better team in my opinion, Connecticut was a beatable opponent, and the game was absolutely winnable. It just wasn't our day for various reasons that can be discussed later. 

With that said, this has been an incredibly fun and entertaining season of Illinois basketball.  At the beginning of this season, I had no major expectations for this Illini squad, which joined the 1989 Flyin' Illini and 2004-05 team as Final Four participants.  The last five months have been a great ride, worthy of many thank yous. 

Thank you to: 

• Keaton Wagler for having a freshman season like no other, for playing the game the right way at all times. 
• David Mirkovic for entertaining with your well-rounded game, next-play attitude, and goofball personality. 
• Andrej Stojakovic for providing instant offense and much-needed defense during the tourney, for accepting a sixth-man role and displaying incredible mental focus these past three weeks. 
• Tomislav Ivicic for sacrificing your role this season, for salvaging a difficult regular season with five great games during the NCAA Tournament. 
• Kylan Boswell for refocusing the team after the Big Ten tourney, for playing through a difficult hand injury.
• Jake Davis for being the ultimate glue guy all season long. 
• Ben Humrichous for bouncing back after last season's struggles, for modeling leadership and selflessness. 
• Zvonimir Ivisic for injecting great activity off the bench, for adding even more personality to this team. 
• Brandon Lee, Mihailo Petrovic, AJ Redd, Blake Fagbemi and Jason Jaktys for being engaged teammates on the bench. 
• Ty Rodgers for sticking around, for being a spiritual leader despite not playing the past two seasons.  
• The coaching staff for making necessary offensive and defensive adjustments during tourney halftimes. 
• Head Coach Brad Underwood for returning Illinois to the Promised Land, the Final Four. 
• Athletic Director Josh Whitman for investing in this program. 

While I have been dreading the end of this season for weeks, I will always hold a special place in my basketball fandom for this Illinois team, which played with such great chemistry and enthusiasm, and capitalized on its talent to make an unexpected Final Four run. The memories of these past three weeks, these last five months will forever remain with me. 

Go Illini!  

The national championship game of the 2026 NCAA Tournament is set, with the #2 seed UCONN Huskies facing the #1 seed Michigan Wolverines this Monday night at 7:50 p.m. (CT) on TBS. Connecticut is appearing in its third national championship game in the past four seasons while Michigan is returning to the final for the first time since the 2018 NCAA Tournament. There will be plenty of time to break down this game tomorrow. In the meantime make the jump to read my four observations about yesterday's Final Four games that were so promising on paper but ultimately quite disappointing on the court. 

And it wasn't even that close. At one point, Michigan hit 7 of 9 threes to start the second half and led by as many as 30 points. Arizona did not lead one time tonight. Arizona clearly never got punched in the face like that this season, and the Wildcats were stunned and helpless defensively after the break. The Wolverines cruise, with Yaxel Lendeborg playing on one leg. As one of my favorite musicians Ty Segall sings, "It's over." Crown this Michigan team. As good as Dan Hurley is as a head coach, his Huskies are not beating the Wolverines, a juggernaut that will win its first title since 1989 on Monday night.  Make the jump to see the final stats of Michigan's beatdown of Arizona.