2026 March Madness Sweet 16 schedule: Dates, times, matchups and how to watch

The Sweet 16 is officially set in NCAA March Madness and the next round of games is just days away. After a thrilling opening weekend, the tournament now shifts to the regional semifinals, with games scheduled for Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27.

Here’s everything you need to know about the full Sweet 16 schedule, including matchups, tip-off times and TV channels.

When is the Sweet 16?

• Thursday, March 26, 2026
• Friday, March 27, 2026

Games will take place across four regional sites:

• Houston (South)
• San Jose (West)
• Chicago (Midwest)
• Washington, D.C. (East)

Sweet 16 schedule - Thursday, March 26

All times ET

• (West) Texas Longhorns vs. Purdue Boilermakers - ~7:10 p.m. (CBS)
• (West) Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Arizona Wildcats - ~9:45 p.m. (CBS)
• (South) Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers - ~7:30 p.m. (TBS/truTV)
• (South) Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Houston Cougars - ~10:05 p.m. (TBS/truTV)

Sweet 16 schedule - Friday, March 27

All times ET

• (Midwest) Michigan Wolverines vs. Alabama Crimson Tide - ~7:35 p.m. (TBS/truTV)
• (Midwest) Tennessee Volunteers vs. Iowa State Cyclones - ~10:10 p.m. (TBS/truTV)
• (East) Duke Blue Devils vs. St. John’s Red Storm - time TBD (CBS)
• (East) Michigan State Spartans vs. UConn Huskies - time TBD (CBS)

How to watch the Sweet 16

Games will be broadcast across:

• CBS
• TBS
• TNT
• truTV

Streaming options include platforms that carry those networks, such as Paramount+ (CBS games) and Max (TBS/TNT/truTV games).

What’s next in March Madness?

After the Sweet 16:

• Elite Eight: March 28–29
• Final Four: April 4
• National championship: April 6

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