March Madness Picks & Best Bets 2026 NCAA Tournament - Elite Eight (March 29)
The Road To Indianapolis continues Sunday with the remaining two tickets punched for the Final Four. We had another night of thrills Saturday, with No. 3 seed Illinois (South) and No. 1 seed Arizona (West) winning their regions.. This year, March Madness ends in April with the National Championship Game on April 6. After checking the latest college basketball odds, be sure to check our March Madness Picks & Best Bets below as the tournament continues.
Recent NCAA Tournament history has been very kind to No. 1 seeds.
In all, 17 of the past 25 and 7 of the past 8 national champions were No. 1 seeds. The most recent exception was Connecticut in 2023. Those Huskies entered the tournament as a No. 4 seed. Of course, UConn proceeded to win back-to-back national titles as Danny Hurley kept the bulk of his team intact.
Bonus Code: BOOKIESBRP1500
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See http://BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
RELATED: March Madness Perfect Bracket Odds Compared To Powerball, Mega Millions
RELATED: March Madness Betting Guide 2026: NCAA Odds, Picks & Strategy
Want a bigger dog than the 2023 Huskies – in terms of seeding – to win a national title? You’ll have to go back to the 2014 UConn Huskies. Those pups were a No. 7 seed before running the table and cutting down the nets at Jerry World. Those Huskies were +9500 to win the Tournament.
Three No. 3 seeds have won the Tourname since 2000, and one No. 2 seed has won during that time.
March Madness Picks & Best Bets: Game-By-Game Predictions
Here are our March Madness Picks & Best Bets for the remaining Elite Eight games and the first Final Four game. All betting lines via OddsJam.
Midwest Region - Elite Eight
Sunday - Chicago
1 Michigan vs 6 Tennessee
2:15 p.m. | CBS
Michigan -7.5
Michigan -285
Tennessee +260
O/U 145.6/146.5
Best Bet: Tennessee +7.5 (-108) (DraftKings via OddsJam). Michigan rallied in the second half to dispatch and score the cover (-10.5) over Alabama Friday. Tennessee struck Midnight on Iowa State to reach its third straight Elite Eight. The Vols stand as the only SEC entry left dancing, winning outright 72-62 as 4.5 underdogs. The Critical Battle Michigan's jumbo lineup is a problem only three teams have solved all season — Duke, Purdue, and Wisconsin. The Wolverines protect the paint relentlessly, with opposing teams making just 48.9% of their shots in the post. Michigan controls the interior for most of the game and weathers everything Rick Barnes' Vols can offer. Michigan (34-3 SU) remains underwater at 17-20 ATS. The Vols (17-18 ATS) have covered in each of their three Tournament games. Take the points here, even as Michigan moves on to the Final Four.
East Region - Elite Eight
Sunday - Washington
1 Duke vs 2 UConn
5:05 p.m. | CBS
Duke -4.5 -120 (Hard Rock Bet)
UConn +5.5 -115 (DraftKings)
Duke -205
UConn +185
O/U 133.5/134.5
Best Bet: UConn +5.5 (-115) (DraftKings via OddsJam). A pair of March True-Blue Bloods that have helped defined college basketball going back to the last century face off for a trip to the Final Four. Everyone circled this once the bracket was set. The Huskies fought off a furious Michigan State comeback Friday night before clawing their way to a 67-63 win and over (-1.5).
Duke missed the cover (-6.5) but notched another double-digit comeback, this time against St. Johns, before winning 80-75. Caleb Foster scored 11 key points in the second half in a gutsy return from a broken foot. Duke beats you inside with solid interior shooting (57% from inside the arc) and ferocious rebounding. UConn relives on Tarris Reed Jr. inside and Alex Karaban everywhere else. Duke and UConn have met three times in the NCAA Tournament, including UConn's iconic 1999 Final Four upset of the No. 1 seeded Blue Devils. This time, it's a coin flip. In cases such as these for betting purposes, take the points (UConn +5.5) given the Huskies' recent pedigree.
Promo Code: BOOKIES
Must be 21+ and present in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, NC, OH, TN, or VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, KS, KY, LA, MD, NC, OH, VA). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ). Call 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), Call (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org in MA. Call or text REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN).
First Round Scores
March 19 - Round of 64
TCU 66, Ohio State 64
Nebraska 76, Troy 47
Louisville 83, South Florida 79
Michigan 101, Howard 80
High Point 83, Wisconsin 82
Duke 71, Siena 65
Vanderbilt 78, McNeese 68
Michigan State 92, North Dakota State 67
Arkansas 97, Hawai'i 78
VCU 82, North Carolina 78
Texas 79, BYU 71
Texas A&M 63, Saint Mary's 50
Illinois 105, Penn 70
Must be 21+ to participate. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, KY, MI, NJ, OH, PA, IL, TN, VA, VT), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-522-4700 (WY), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
March 20 - Round of 64
Saint Louis 102, Georgia 77
Gonzaga 73, Kennesaw State 64
Houston 78, Idaho 47
Kentucky 89, Santa Clara 84 (OT)
Texas Tech 91, Akron 71
Arizona 92, Long Island University 58
Virginia 82, Wright State 73
Iowa State 108, Tennessee State 74
Alabama 90, Hofstra 70
Utah State 86, Villanova 76
Tennessee 78, Miami (Ohio) 56
Iowa 67, Clemson 61
St. John's 79, UNI 53
Purdue 104, Queens 71
UCLA 75, UCF 71
Florida 114, Prairie View A&M 55
Kansas 68, Cal Baptist 60
Miami (Fla.) 80, Missouri 66
UConn 82, Furman 71
Second Round Scores
March 21 - Round Of 32
1 Michigan 95, 9 Saint Louis 72
3 Michigan State 77, 6 Louisville 69
1 Duke 81, 9 TCU 58
2 Houston 88, 10 Texas A&M 57
11 Texas 74, 3 Gonzaga 68
3 Illinois 76, 11 VCU 55
4 Nebraska 74, 5 Vanderbilt 72
4 Arkansas 94, 12 High Point 88
21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY (excludes NY). Apply promotion in bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -200) daily for 10 consecutive days starting day of account creation. FanCash rewards will equal the qualifying wager amount (max $100 FanCash/day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, incl. FanCash terms, apply—see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER, 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA).
March 22 - Round Of 32
9 Iowa 73, 1 Florida 72
2 Purdue 79, 7 Miami (Fla.) 69
2 Iowa State 82, 7 Kentucky 63
5 St. John's 67, 4 Kansas 65
6 Tennessee 79, 3 Virginia 72
4 Alabama 90, 5 Texas Tech 65
1 Arizona 78, 9 Utah State 66
2 Iowa State 82, 7 Kentucky 63
Region Semifinal Scores
Thursday - Sweet 16
1 Arizona 109, 4 Arkansas 88
3 Illinois 65, 2 Houston 55
2 Purdue 79, 11 Texas 77
9 Iowa 77, 4 Nebraska 71
Friday - Sweet 16
Duke 80, St. John's 75
Michigan 90, Alabama 77
UConn 67, Michigan State 63
Tennessee 76, Iowa State 62
Regional Final Scores
Saturday - Elite Eight
3 Illinois 71, Iowa 59
1 Arizona 79, Purdue 64
March Madness Picks & Best Bets: Schedule
Here are our key March Madness Picks & Best Bets key dates to mark on your calendar and upcoming schedule:
- Elite Eight: Saturday - Sunday
- Final Four: Saturday, April 4
- National championship game: Monday, April 6
Promo Code: BOOKIES
Must be 21+ to participate (18+ in KY). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, IA, KY, KS, LA, MD, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ). Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). CALL 1-877-770-STOP (LA). Must be present in LA (select parishes). Licensee partner Amelia Belle Casino. Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
March Madness Picks & Best Bets: What The Sportsbooks Say
Patrick Berbert, College Basketball Trader at Caesars Sportsbook, checked in with Bookies.com before the tournament night. Here's what he had to say.
On Overall Expectations For The Tournament:
We’re expecting a fairly chalky tournament this year, similar to what we saw last season. The NIL era has really widened the gap between the top programs and the rest of the field. From a betting standpoint, we’re projecting record engagement again. College basketball has been a phenomenal product all season, and the television ratings reflect that, as it was reportedly the most-watched regular season ever.
On Favorites No. 1 Seeds Duke, Michigan, Florida & Arizona,
Duke enters the tournament as the current title favorite at +295. They’ve been dealing with some injuries lately, but they’re expected to get Patrick Ngbonga back, which should give them a boost heading into the tournament. Michigan, meanwhile, cooled off a bit after its scorching start, and the injury to LJ Cason could be significant. Florida had some struggles during non-conference play, but really found its stride in SEC action. With a roster full of experienced players, they’ll be a tough out. Arizona may be the most battle-tested of the group, given the schedule they’ve played and the consistency they’ve shown all season. All four teams have earned their position near the top of the odds board.
Here's what Michael Ranftle, Senior Trader, BetMGM, had to say about his book's liabilities.
Among the favorites, UConn, Florida, and St. John's are our biggest liabilities to win the tournament. Duke and Arizona have been popular with bettors, but are the best outcomes of the title contenders for the sportsbook.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (800) 327-5050 or visit http://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 3/15/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: http://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos . Ends 3/8/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
Betting Stats: March Madness Picks & Best Bets
March Madness Title Picks & Best Bets: Major Bets Of Note
- $100,000 to win $600,000 on Purdue to Final Four
- $50,000 to win $450,000 on Houston +900
- $50,000 to win $225,000 on Arizona +450
- $25,000 to win $225,000 on UConn +900
- $25,000 to win $275,000 on Houston +1100
Promo Code: BOOKIES250BM
Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY or Washington, DC. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First wager after registration must qualify. Min. Odds: -500. Max. Bonus Bet: $250. Awarded as non-withdrawable Bonus Bet that expires 14 days after receipt. Bonus Bet amount not returned for winning bets. Void where prohibited. See http://Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, MO, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY, KS (Affiliated with Kansas Crossing Casino), ME (Licensed through the Mi’kmaq Nation, Penobscot Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, federally recognized tribes located in the State of Maine), NC (Licensed through Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise), PA (Affiliated with Harrah's Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit http://mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit http://1800gambler.net ; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF; LA (Licensed through Horseshoe Bossier City and Caesars New Orleans), Washington, DC (OLG Class A licensed Operator): Call 1-800-522-4700. ©2025, Caesars Entertainment Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER DC, LA: Call 1-800-522-4700 MA: Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit http://gamblinghelplinema.org NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369)
March Madness Picks & Best Bets: All-Time Longshots To Win
Going back to the expansion of the field to 64 teams in 1985, here's a look as the longest pre=tournament odds for the NCCA winner.
| odds | YEAR | Team | SEED | FINAL OPP. | SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +9500 | 2014 | UConn | No. 7 | Kentucky | 60-54 |
| +3500 | 1985 | Villanova | No. 8 | G'town | 66-64 |
| +2500 | 2011 | UConn | No. 3 | Butler | 53-41 |
| +2000 | 1988 | Kentucky | No. 6 | Oklahom | 83-79 |
| +1800 | 1997 | Arizona | No, 6 | Kentucky | 84-79 (OT) |
| +1600 | 2023 | UConn | No. 4 | San Diego | 76-59 |
March Madness Picks & Best Bets: Betting Trends To Watch
Here's a look at some trends and history surrounding the March Madness top seeds:
- Most times seeded No. 1: North Carolina (18)
- All four No. 1 seeds made Final Four: Twice (2008, 2025)
- No No. 1 seeds made Final Four: Four (1980, 2006, 2011, 2023)
- Championship games featuring two No. 1 seeds: 11 (1982, 1983, 1999, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2024, 2025)
- Championship game featuring no No. 1 seeds (modern era): Eight
- Only team to beat three No. 1 seeds: Arizona (1997 - beat No. 1 Kansas in Elite Eight, No. 1 North Carolina in Final Four, No. 1 Kentucky in championship game)
Promo Code: BOOKIES
Must be 21+ and present in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, NC, OH, TN, or VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, KS, KY, LA, MD, NC, OH, VA). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ). Call 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), Call (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org in MA. Call or text REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN).
March Madness Picks & Best Bets: Best Finish By Seed
In all the No. 1 see has won 26 national championships since the NCAA Tournament expanded to its current (legitimate) 64-team field in 1985,
| SEED | BEST FINISH | TIMES |
|---|---|---|
| No. 1 | National Champion | 26 |
| No. 2 | National Champion | 5 |
| No. 3 | National Champion | 4 |
| No. 4 | National Champion | 2 |
| No. 5 | Runner-up | 4 |
| No. 6 | National Champion | 1 |
| No. 7 | National Champion | 1 |
| No. 8 | National Champion | 1 |
| No. 9 | Final Four | 2 |
| No. 10 | Final Four | 1 |
| No. 11 | Final Four | 6 |
| No. 12 | Elite Eight | 2 |
| No. 13 | Sweet 16 | 3 |
| No. 14 | Sweet 16 | 2 |
| No. 15 | Elite Eight | 2 |
| No. 16 | Second round | 2 |
21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY (excludes NY). Apply promotion in bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -200) daily for 10 consecutive days starting day of account creation. FanCash rewards will equal the qualifying wager amount (max $100 FanCash/day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, incl. FanCash terms, apply—see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER, 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA).
England World Cup 2026 Squad Betting Odds: Who Will Make The Plane? 
Betfair Casino No Deposit Free Spins March 2026: Claim 100 Free Spins 
Coral Online Casino Welcome Bonus March 2026: Deposit £10 Get 100 Free Spins 
bet365 Casino Welcome Offer UK March 2026: Get 500 Free Spins 
Ladbrokes Casino Bonus Code UK March 2026: Get £30 Casino Bonus 
Los Vegas Online Casino Welcome Bonus March 2026: Get 140 Free Spins
Comments