March Madness Sweet Sixteen: Who plays today, Thursday, March 26? Times, teams and how to watch
The break from the madness is over as the NCAA Tournament’s returns with the first day of the Sweet 16 round, with four games on today to kick it off.
The madness is back. After a brief break following the opening rounds, the 2026 NCAA Men’s Tournament resumes Thursday night with the Sweet Sixteen, as the path to the Final Four begins to take shape.
Two regions, the West and South, headline Thursday’s action, with four high-stakes matchups set to tip off from San Jose and Houston. Here’s everything you need to know about today’s March Madness schedule, including game times, teams and how to watch.
Iowa and Nebraska are tied 1-1 in the season series.
— College Basketball Review (@CbbReview) March 23, 2026
Feb. 17 - Iowa won 57-52
March 8 - Nebraska won 84-75
They meet in the Sweet 16, it doesn't get much bigger than this. pic.twitter.com/VJVQ3cLArg
March Madness schedule today: Thursday, March 26 (Sweet Sixteen)
All times Eastern
- 7:10 p.m. - No. 2 Purdue vs. No. 11 Texas (West Region) - CBS
- 7:30 p.m. - No. 4 Nebraska vs. No. 9 Iowa (South Region) - TBS/truTV
- 9:45 p.m. - No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 4 Arkansas (West Region) -CBS
- 10:05 p.m. - No. 2 Houston vs. No. 3 Illinois (South Region) - TBS/truTV
How to watch March Madness games today
Fans can watch Thursday’s Sweet Sixteen games across CBS, TBS and truTV. Streaming options are also available through platforms that carry those channels.
Top storylines to watch
Can Texas keep their run going?
No. 11 seed Texas has already proven they’re no typical Cinderella, advancing from the First Four into the Sweet Sixteen. The Longhorns now face a tough test against No. 2 Purdue, led by standout guard Braden Smith.
Arizona face a dangerous Arkansas squad
Top-seeded Arizona look to hold off No. 4 Arkansas, who are aiming for their first Elite Eight appearance since 2022 under head coach John Calipari. Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. has been a key factor in the Razorbacks’ run.
Houston’s defense vs. Illinois’ offense
One of the night’s most intriguing matchups features No. 2 Houston’s elite defense, ranked among the nation’s best in efficiency, against a high-powered Illinois offense.
Nebraska vs. Iowa: Round 3
A familiar rivalry takes center stage as Nebraska and Iowa meet again with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line. Expect plenty of 3-point attempts from the Cornhuskers in this winner-take-all showdown.
What’s next in March Madness?
- March 26–27: Sweet Sixteen
- March 28–29: Elite Eight
- April 4: Final Four (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis)
- April 6: National Championship (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis)
With four compelling matchups on deck and a trip to the Elite Eight at stake, Thursday’s slate promises to deliver more of the drama that defines March Madness.
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