2026 March Madness odds and predictions: Breakdown of First Round in the South Region – UNC on Upset Alert

Not one of the top four seeds in any region lost in the Opening Round of last season’s NCAA Tournament. Just one double digit seed (Arkansas as a 10-seed) advanced to the Sweet 16. Chalk prevailed by and large throughout the tournament. Will this year’s tournament unfold in a similar fashion? There have to be upsets! Doesn’t there?

We’ve looked at the Opening Round in both the East and Midwest Regions. Lets dive into the South Region and offer a look at each game of the First Round.
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*odds provided by DraftKings

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2026 NCAA Tournament: South Region

The South is home to the defending champs. The Florida Gators are looking to repeat as champions just as UConn did just a couple seasons ago. Their success will more than likely depend on how well their backcourt shoots the ball. It was a big issue early this season. It looked to be solved as the Gators dominated late in the season, but the issue resurfaced a bit in the SEC Tournament.

No. 1 Florida Gators vs. No. 16 Prairie View/Lehigh

Spread: TBD
Total: TBD

Congrats to whomever wins the First Four game in Dayton between Prairie View and Lehigh. You earn a trip to Tampa and a chance to dance with the defending national champs and top seed in the South, the Florida Gators. It should be over early. Smart money will be on the Gators’ Point Total OVER.

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No. 8 Clemson Tigers (+114) vs. No. 9 Iowa Hawkeyes (-135)

Spread: Iowa -2.5
Total: 128.5
This line opened Iowa -1.5 with the Total set at 130.5.

This matchup features Clemson’s overall balance and exceptional defense against Bennett Stirtz. The transfer from Drake was exceptional against Missouri last season. Can Stirtz be held in check? He’ll need to be in order to compensate for Clemson’s underwhelming offense. Lean to Iowa laying the number.

Read More: Nicole Auerbach’s Bracket

No. 5 Vanderbilt Commodores (-625) vs. No. 12 McNeese (+455)

Spread: Vanderbilt -11.5
Total: 150.5
This line opened Vanderbilt -10.5 with the Total set at…

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Publish date : 2026-03-17 20:04:00

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