The excitement of March Madness has arrived, with the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament kicking off tonight with the First Four play-in games at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. These games will determine the final spots in the 64-team bracket, setting the stage for thrilling matchups to come.
In the first game, two No. 16 seeds will battle it out for the opportunity to face No. 1 Michigan, while in the second game, two No. 11 seeds will compete for a chance to play against No. 6 BYU. For the losing teams, it’s the end of the road, but for the winners, it’s the beginning of potential Cinderella stories. Just ask UMBC, who made history in 2018 with a stunning upset over No. 1 Virginia. Led by DJ Armstrong Jr., the Retrievers are back and ready to prove themselves once again.
Tonight’s games promise high stakes and intense competition. Here’s everything you need to know about today’s matchups, including tip times and players to watch.
In the first game, UMBC will face off against Howard at 6:40 p.m. ET on truTV and HBO Max. UMBC, on a 12-game winning streak, will battle it out with Howard for a chance to challenge No. 1 seed Michigan. Meanwhile, the game between Texas and NC State at 9:15 p.m. ET on truTV and HBO Max will be a must-watch rematch between two teams looking to make a statement in the tournament.
As the tournament unfolds, be sure to catch all the action on truTV and HBO Max, or stream every game using the March Madness Live app. Stay updated on the latest matchups, players to watch, and potential upsets as the excitement of March Madness continues.
In the midst of all the madness, one thing is certain—this tournament is set to be a thrilling showcase of talent, determination, and the unpredictable nature of college basketball. So grab your brackets, settle in, and enjoy the ride as the drama unfolds on the court.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.