General Sports 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 17, 2026, 7:30 PM ET
College Basketball: NCAA Tournament Priming & Upsets
As Selection Sunday looms, the focus in men's espn.com college basketball shifts entirely to bracket projection and immediate game matchups, with oddsmakers firmly establishing Duke as the favorite 48 to win the entire tournament, closely followed by Michigan and Arizona. The field saw several conference tournament champions crowned late in the week, including No. 17 Arkansas securing its first NCAA berth since 2000 after Darius Acuff Jr. dropped 30 points 75 to defeat Vanderbilt in the SEC final, while No. 1 Duke held off Virginia 101 to claim the ACC title, and Purdue, despite recent struggles, topped No. 3 Michigan 73 to win the Big Ten championship. Meanwhile, the women's side finalized its top seeds, with UConn, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina all receiving top-four placements 44 heading into the tournament, while UConn coaches and analysts are already providing blueprints on how to potentially stop their run 66.
The immediate first-round espn.com action is already generating betting interest, with analysts providing guides on best bets and Eliminator picks 7 for the Round of, alongside detailed predictions for every game from ESPN’s bracketologist. Beyond the favorites, analysts are identifying potential "Giant Killers" 18, as teams like No. John's, who blew out UConn by 20 points 104 to defend their Big East title, or Arizona, who avenged last season’s loss 105 to Houston to win the Big, look dangerous as lower seeds. For those seeking rooting interests, an ultimate guide covering all 68 schools 34 is available, detailing mascots and famous alumni.
College Football & Recruiting News
In college football news, Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham is espn.com intensely focused on developing sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood, aiming to transform him into a "completely finished product" 8 to revitalize the Wolverines’ previously struggling aerial attack. Separately, Alabama star Aden Holloway faces serious legal issues following his arrest Monday morning, where authorities found 2.1 pounds of marijuana 9 in his apartment, forcing the team to prepare to play without him. On the recruiting front, the USC Trojans vaulted to the No. 1 ranking 1 in the 2026 class rankings after securing commitment from forward Sara Okeke, marking their third incoming five-star prospect.
World Baseball Classic & International Sports
Team USA espn.com arrived at the World Baseball Classic championship looking sharp, reportedly donning game-worn USA Olympic hockey jerseys 2 for their entrance before the final against Venezuela, where manager Mark DeRosa confirmed that All-Star closer Mason Miller would be available 3 to pitch if needed. Elsewhere in international soccer, France secured a thrilling Under-20 Six Nations Grand Slam 80 for the first time since 2014 by narrowly defeating England. In rugby union, Ireland center Stuart McCloskey noted his phone was "never buzzing so much" 27 following his viral tackle on Marcus Smith, while Shaun Edwards is plotting a future move, stating his ambition to coach a Southern Hemisphere giant 28 after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Motorsports & Cycling Updates
Formula 1 drivers are reacting to the recent Chinese bbc.com Grand Prix, which saw Kimi Antonelli claim his maiden victory 95 leading a Mercedes one-two, while observers debate whether the new regulations have produced "the best racing ever" or merely a "battery world championship" 90. Lewis Hamilton's performance in the race drew praise, with one commentator rating him as "looking like the Hamilton of old" 85. In cycling, Jonas Vingegaard secured his first career Paris-Nice title 84 after finishing second in the final stage. Meanwhile, the UK is set to host the World Rally Championship again after an eight-year absence, with Scotland slated to run a round in 2027 47.
Other Sports & Athlete Updates
In basketball, Luka Doncic bbc.com delivered a game-winning overtime jumper 97 for the Lakers, prompting LeBron James to praise his teammate as a 'generational' talent. In college women’s hoops, Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was named a unanimous first-team All-American 10, while Oregon quarterback Dante Moore revealed a recent struggle with severe depression 35 linked to the pressures of elite college football. Elsewhere, snooker veteran John Higgins was beaten in his 2,000th professional match 11 by 19-year-old Stan Moody, who clinched a tight 5-4 victory at the World Open. In professional motorcycle racing, six-time champion Jonathan Rea is set to return to competition 25 just seven months after announcing his retirement from World Superbike. Finally, actor Will Ferrell was named as one of the host ambassadors for the upcoming Los Angeles World Cup, joining figures like Luka Doncic and Magic Johnson 4.