The 2026 NCAA tournament tipped off Thursday with an exciting first round that delivered on months of anticipation. After 130 days of regular season basketball featuring the dominance of the freshman class and Miami (Ohio)'s perfect run, March Madness has finally arrived. Sixteen matchups across the country set the stage for what promises to be a captivating tournament.

ESPN's coverage spans from Buffalo to Portland with reporters on-site to track all the live action. Key matchups include top seeds like Duke facing Siena, Michigan taking on Howard, and Gonzaga versus Kennesaw State. Cinderella hopefuls like Troy and North Dakota State look to upset higher-seeded opponents in games that will determine who advances to the second round.

Tournament implications extend beyond just advancing teams. A win for 11th-seeded VCU against North Carolina or for 14th-seeded Penn over Illinois could reshape bracket predictions. The first round sets the tone for the entire tournament, with winners advancing to face tougher competition as the field narrows.