March Madness bold predictions: Upsets, chaos and ejections

March Madness is all about chaos, and it’s time to embrace it in the 2026 edition of the Big Dance.

The NCAA Tournament bracket is out, revealing the paths all 68 teams need to make the Final Four. The fun part is you can forget what happens on-paper because there are bound to be some wild things going on when the action tips off.

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From Cinderella stories to stunning buzzer-beating shots, it’s impossible to guess all that will happen, which is why there needs to be some bold predictions when filling out your bracket. Luckily, we’ll come up with some — and back up why it can happen. Will all of them be true? Likely not, but that’s what makes March Madness so thrilling.

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Miami Ohio wins multiple games

There was so much talk about whether the 31-1 RedHawks should be in the field, with questions of their legitimacy given how relatively easy the schedule was. Well, Miami (Ohio) can put it all to rest by advancing out of the first round.

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Sure it didn’t play a tough schedule, but this is a fun team to watch play, and they can challenge just about anyone. The offense is one of the best and in the country, always going on hot streaks that can make it tough to stop. A relentless attack powers the RedHawks toward its first tournament win this century, and by taking down Tennessee, it should silence the doubters.

No love? Wally Szczerbiak ‘surprised’ Miami (OH) sent to First Four

Half of SEC teams lose in first round

The SEC got the most teams in with 10, but it’s not anywhere as strong as it was in 2025, setting up for a rather disappointing turnout.

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It’s hard to imagine getting another eight teams to reach the Sweet 16, given so many squads have tough roads to make it to the second weekend. The path to the second round also seems tricky, and besides Florida and Arkansas, it’s hard to trust the rest of the SEC. That leads to just four teams making it to the second round.

That won’t be something to gloat about, but don’t worry, the…

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Publish date : 2026-03-16 08:47:00

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