The Madness is here, and the first-round slate is packed with must-see showdowns. From powerhouse programs clashing early to classic upset specials, this year's NCAA Tournament delivers the drama before the Sweet 16 is even a thought. Let's dive into the 10 most intriguing first-round matchups.
1. No. 7 Kansas vs. No. 10 Arkansas
You couldn't script it any better. The preseason exhibition between these two was supposed to be just a tune-up, but Arkansas ran Kansas out of the gym. Now, we get a rematch with everything on the line. Bill Self versus John Calipari. Two national champions. Two legendary programs. And the winner likely gets 2-seed St. John’s and Rick Pitino. This one is pure theater.
2. No. 6 Missouri vs. No. 11 Drake
Styles make fights, and this one’s all about pace. Missouri wants to run, Drake wants to grind. Missouri’s been dynamic at home but inconsistent on the road. Meanwhile, Drake’s been everyone’s favorite sleeper pick since the brackets were announced. The Bulldogs thrive in low-scoring, ugly games. Something’s got to give, and it’s going to be fascinating to watch.
3. No. 5 Clemson vs. No. 12 McNeese State
The 12-over-5 upset is an annual tradition, and McNeese State is ready to add to the lore. Will Wade’s squad plays fast and loose, but Clemson’s size and defense could be overwhelming. The ACC was a minefield of Duke, UNC, and Louisville, but if the Tigers overlook McNeese, it could be lights out. Upset potential is high.
4. No. 8 Gonzaga vs. No. 9 Georgia
Gonzaga's the classic first-round juggernaut under Mark Few, but Georgia’s got something special with freshman sensation Asa Newell. The Bulldogs haven’t been dancing in a while, but they’re bringing a scrappy, battle-tested squad that isn’t afraid of the moment. This one has “down-to-the-wire” written all over it.
5. No. 7 St. Mary’s vs. No. 10 Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt’s unpredictable style is a nightmare to prepare for, and St. Mary’s knows it. The Gaels are disciplined and well-coached, but can they handle Vandy’s creativity? A close, low-scoring, defensive slugfest feels inevitable, and whoever makes the smarter adjustments will move on.
6. No. 6 BYU vs. No. 11 VCU
Talk about a clash of styles. VCU’s aggressive, relentless pressure versus BYU’s composed, guard-heavy attack. The Cougars have the ball-handlers to break the press, but the question is whether they can consistently do it for 40 minutes. This one could be a classic with more momentum swings than a playground see-saw.
7. No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 12 Liberty
The Ducks have the pedigree, but Liberty has the defense. Dana Altman’s resume speaks for itself, but this will be no easy task. Liberty wants to make it ugly and slow, Oregon wants to play fluid and fast. A 12-over-5 upset feels very possible if Liberty can dictate the tempo.
Kentucky basketball gets a chance to win as a 3 seed
8. No. 3 Kentucky vs. No. 14 Troy
Big Blue Nation is feeling the nerves. Another year, another 3-seed, and another first-round matchup against a 14-seed with upset potential. Troy struggles from deep but crashes the offensive glass like their lives depend on it. Kentucky, meanwhile, allows too many three-point attempts. Will Mark Pope get his first NCAA Tournament win, or will Kentucky’s nightmare repeat itself? The anxiety in Lexington is real.
9. No. 5 Memphis vs. No. 12 Colorado State
Nobody can figure Memphis out. Penny Hardaway’s team has shown flashes of brilliance but also head-scratching inconsistency. Meanwhile, Colorado State is peaking at the perfect time. If Memphis shows up locked in, they’re a dangerous team. If not, well, the 12-seed is looking mighty tempting.
10. No. 8 UCONN vs. No. 9 Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s coming off a gut-wrenching loss to Kentucky in the SEC Tournament on a buzzer-beater from Oweh. But they’ve got the talent to challenge the two-time defending champs. UCONN is still the champ until proven otherwise, but the Sooners have every intention of making them prove it. This one will be a war.
The first round is loaded, and these matchups are guaranteed to bring the drama. Buckle up, because the Madness is about to get real. Get your printable bracket here.