What does a 76-team March Madness bracket look like? Indiana easily makes way-too-early projections

The NCAA Tournament has been expanded to 76 teams, which should give Indiana basketball a greater chance to make the field. In many recent seasons, the Hoosiers have narrowly missed March Madness.

IU has largely turned over its roster for 2026-27, with the incoming transfers considered one of nation’s best groups. Coach Darian DeVries has reason to be excited about the possibilities.

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Will Indiana basketball make the 2027 NCAA Tournament? Will Purdue basketball make the 2027 NCAA Tournament?

Joe Lunardi, ESPN: Indiana is a seventh seed; Purdue is a fifth seed; the Big Ten gets 12 bids.

Andy Katz, NCAA.com: Indiana is a sixth seed; Purdue is a fifth seed; the Big Ten gets 12 bids.

What is the opening round of March Madness in 76-team bracket?

The renamed “opening round” will include 24 teams: the last 12 at-large teams, and the 12 lowest-rated conference tournament champions. Games will be played at Dayton, Ohio, and another site to be determined.

The last 12 at-large teams will compete for all the No. 12 seeds, and two No. 11 seeds. The latter group will vie for all the No. 16 seeds, and two No. 15 seeds.

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After those games on Tuesday, March 16, and Wednesday, March 17, the field will stand at 64.

From IndyStar’s Zach Osterman: Expanding March Madness honors an unwanted tradition in college sports

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Who is on IU? See the Indiana basketball roster in photos

Indiana’s Trent Sisley (11) shoots over Minnesota’s Grayson Grove (2) during the Indiana versus Minnesota men’s basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

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Who is on IU? See the Indiana basketball roster in photos

Indiana’s Trent Sisley (11) shoots over Minnesota’s Grayson Grove (2) during the Indiana versus Minnesota men’s basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

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Who is on IU? See the Indiana basketball roster in photos

Notre Dame guard Markus Burton shoots the ball during a…

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Publish date : 2026-05-08 17:00:00

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