What to know about NCAA Tournament South Region: Will Nebraska make history?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Nebraska seeks first NCAA Tournament win as No. 4 seed vs No. 13 Troy.
- Illinois features Keaton Wagler, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
- Houston, a No. 2 seed, aims to win in OKC to reach Sweet 16, Elite Eight in Houston.
If a power program can be a sentimental favorite in the NCAA Tournament, it’s Nebraska.
The Cornhuskers are in the big dance for the eighth time while still seeking their first victory. It’s the only program among those in power conferences without first-win success.
Coach Fred Hoiberg’s team is a No. 4 seed and will open against No. 13 Troy, champions of the Sun Belt.
The most painful of the losses came in 1991, when a third-seeded Nebraska team fell to No. 14 seed Xavier.
The Huskers won their first 20 games and climbed as high as No. 5 in the polls. The 26 victories matched a school record. Now comes the opportunity to make it the most successful season in school history.
“We all know the elephant in the room with our program, so all we’re talking about is the result of going out and winning the film session tomorrow,” Hoiberg said.
Top players in the South Regional
Illinois, the No. 3 seed, is led by freshman Keaton Wagler, the Kansas Citian who rose from off-the-radar to Big Ten freshman of the year.
Houston freshman Kingston Flemings is a downhill guard with great playmaking ability. He’ll look to help the second-seeded Cougars make it through two games in Oklahoma City and play in the regional final in Houston.
Which team is on upset alert?
Southland champion McNeese, the No. 12 seed, can get after it. The Cowboys are second nationally in forcing 17 turnovers per game. Fifth-seeded Vanderbilt could be in for a battle.
South Regional prediction
Houston returns to the Final Four by outlasting Florida in a rematch of last year’s championship game.
This story was originally published March 15, 2026 at 8:54 PM.