South Region 2026: Odds, Predictions & Schedule

The defending national champion Florida Gators enter the 2026 NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the South Region with a chance to defend their title and return to the NCAA Men's Final Four.

Florida brings back key pieces from last season’s championship roster and remains one of the most balanced teams in college basketball after rallying from an early-season stumble to win the SEC.

But the South may be the most competitive region in the bracket. Houston returns much of the core from last year’s national runner-up team and adds one of the most explosive guards in the country.

Illinois also enters with one of the nation’s most dangerous offenses, while teams like Vanderbilt and Nebraska give the region strong depth.

Lower seeds could also create chaos early in the tournament. Programs like VCU and Texas A&M have the profiles of teams capable of pulling off first-round surprises if the matchups fall their way.

With elite contenders at the top and several capable challengers behind them, the South Region could deliver some of the most dramatic games on the road to the Final Four.

When Is the NCAA Tournament South Region 2026? Key Dates and Schedule

For fans wondering when is March Madness Final Four action decided in the South bracket, the path begins with the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament on March 19 and 20. Teams in the South Region will battle through the first round before the field is trimmed down for the second round the following weekend.

First Round — Thursday, March 19

No. 1 Florida vs. Prairie View / Lehigh — 9:25 pm ET (TNT)

No. 4 Nebraska (-13.5) vs. No. 13 Troy — 12:40 p.m. ET (truTV)

No. 5 Vanderbilt (-11.5) vs. No. 12 McNeese — 3:15 p.m. ET (truTV)

No. 6 North Carolina (-2.5) vs. No. 11 VCU — 6:50 p.m. ET (TNT)

First Round — Friday, March 20

No. 8 Clemson vs. No. 9 Iowa (-1.5) — 6:50 p.m. ET (TNT)

No. 7 Saint Mary's (-2.5) vs. No. 10 Texas A&M — 7:35 p.m. ET (truTV)

No. 3 Illinois (-24.5) vs. No. 14 Penn — 9:25 p.m. ET (TNT)

No. 2 Houston (-24.5) vs. No. 15 Idaho — 10:10 p.m. ET (truTV)

The action continues with the second round on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, with games beginning around noon ET and continuing throughout the day and evening. Specific matchups and tip times for the Round of 32 will be determined following the conclusion of the opening games.

The winners of those matchups will advance to the regional rounds the following week, where the South champion will earn a trip to the Final Four in Indianapolis.

NCAA Tournament South Region Location and Venue

The South Regional rounds of the 2026 NCAA Tournament will take place at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games are scheduled for March 26 and March 28, where one team will ultimately emerge from the bracket and advance to the NCAA men's basketball Final Four location in Indianapolis.

The venue could create a unique storyline if Houston advances deep into the tournament. The Cougars would potentially be playing their regional games in their home city, which could provide a major advantage in terms of crowd support and familiarity with the environment.

Early-round games are played at neutral sites around the country before the surviving teams converge in Houston for the regional semifinals and championship. By the end of that weekend, the South Region champion will have secured a place on college basketball’s biggest stage.

NCAA Tournament South Region Games Preview

Several intriguing matchups headline the South Region as teams begin their push toward the March Madness Final Four games. One of the most interesting early contests features No. 6 North Carolina against No. 11 VCU. The Rams enter the tournament after winning 16 of their last 17 games and capturing the Atlantic 10 title. North Carolina, meanwhile, could be vulnerable without star freshman Caleb Wilson, who is sidelined with a broken thumb.

Another matchup drawing attention is No. 7 Saint Mary’s against No. 10 Texas A&M. Saint Mary’s has been a regular tournament participant but has struggled to advance deep into March. Texas A&M could capitalize if the Aggies’ offense finds rhythm early.

Higher seeds also face challenges. Vanderbilt meets McNeese in a classic 5–12 matchup that often produces surprises, while Nebraska faces Troy in another game where the underdog could keep things interesting.

At the top of the bracket, Illinois begins against Penn and Houston faces Idaho. Florida, the defending national champion, sits at the top of the region and remains the team most opponents must ultimately beat to reach the Final Four.

NCAA Tournament South Region Odds and Betting Outlook

Betting markets have closely evaluated the South Region as teams chase the March Madness Final Four odds that could lead to a championship run. Florida enters the region as the betting favorite at +165 thanks to its championship pedigree and returning frontcourt talent.

Houston sits close behind at +250 and may be the most dangerous challenger. The Cougars bring elite defensive intensity, forcing turnovers and dominating the offensive glass to create extra scoring opportunities.

Illinois also commands attention from bettors at +310. The Illini feature one of the nation’s most explosive offenses and have the ability to score with any team in the country.

Further down the board, Vanderbilt and Nebraska both carry +1100 odds to win the region, while Saint Mary’s, Iowa and North Carolina offer longer-shot potential. As always during March Madness, the right matchup or a hot shooting night could quickly change the betting landscape.

NCAA Tournament South Region Odds and Betting Outlook

Looking deeper at the bracket, several teams have the potential to disrupt the favorites. VCU enters the tournament on a strong run and could challenge North Carolina in a popular upset pick. Texas A&M is another team capable of pulling off a surprise if Saint Mary’s struggles to score.

Still, the region may ultimately come down to the teams at the top. Florida remains a formidable contender as the defending champion, but Houston could be positioned for a breakthrough. The Cougars return much of the core from last year’s national runner-up team and add dynamic guard Kingston Flemings, one of the most explosive players in the country.

If Florida and Houston meet in the Elite Eight, the Cougars could benefit from playing the regional rounds in Houston’s Toyota Center. That potential home-court advantage might be enough to send Houston back to the Final Four.