ESPN's Myron Medcalf ranks the remaining 32 teams in the 2026 men's NCAA tournament after the first round. Arizona Wildcats lead the rankings after dismantling No. 16 Long Island 92-58, with Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley scoring just seven points as five players reached double figures. The Wildcats have won 10 straight games and are shooting 39% from three-point range during that stretch.

Duke Blue Devils sit second despite a scare against Siena, becoming the first No. 1 seed to trail a No. 16 seed by double digits at halftime. Cameron Boozer dominated with 13-of-14 free throws, but questions remain about Patrick Ngongba II's availability after Duke played short-handed. Florida Gators rank third after posting the second-largest halftime lead in tournament history (39 points) in their 114-55 rout of Prairie View A&M, extending their 13-1 record in their last 14 games.

Michigan Wolverines, Houston Cougars, and Iowa State Cyclones round out the top six. The Wolverines overcame Howard's zone defense with Aday Mara dominating inside, while Houston's defensive pressure held Idaho to just 47 points. Iowa State's 108-point outburst over Tennessee State came despite Joshua Jefferson playing only three minutes with an ankle injury, raising concerns about their depth for a deep tournament run.