Mar 15, 2026 - 23:49
By espn.com

2026 March Madness bracket facts for men's NCAA tournament - ESPN

March Madness brackets bring an excitement that is hard to match for many sports fans.

In terms of impact, this year's freshman class is arguably the best we have ever seen, which is just another reason to be juiced about the 2026 NCAA tournament.

As you get ready to fill out your ESPN Tournament Challenge bracket, we are here to provide facts and trends to inform your picks or, at the very least, entertain you.

Note: Unless otherwise noted, stats referenced are since 1985 (also called the «modern era» throughout the story). In addition, all results mentioned ignore any subsequent vacating by the NCAA. For example, we consider Louisville the winner of the 2013 national championship game, even though its appearance has been vacated.

Last year, we saw all four No. 1 seeds reach the Final Four for the second time, and some feel it could happen again this year, as the top seeds are quite formidable. History says otherwise, though.

1. We have never even had more than two No. 1 seeds make the Final Four in back-to-back years.

Is this the year we see it occur? We'll find out over the next three weeks.

Last year, the SEC sent a record 14 teams to the tournament, including eventual national champion Florida.

2. That was only the second time in the past 11 tournaments that the champ came from the conference with the most bids (or tied for the most).

This year, the SEC once again leads the way with 10 teams in the field of 68. The trend below says that doesn't bode well for representatives from the league.

3. Since seeding began in 1979, the conference with the most bids (or tied for the most) has never produced the