NCAA’s March Madness Top 16 Seeds Released and There’s a Shocking "Snub"
With the springtime just around the corner, sports fans know that madness is about to take over the airwaves and betting world. Of course, we’re talking about NCAA’s March Madness, the college basketball tournaments that look to crown a men’s and women’s basketball team as champions. Although the tourney doesn’t officially kick off until March 17, with colleges wrapping their regular seasons and entering conference playoffs, forecasters are already predicting which teams are likely to be a part of this year’s Big Dance. Along these lines, the NCAA itself released its March Madness Top 16 Seeds for men.
Going through the list, you’ll notice many usual basketball powerhouses like Duke, UConn, and Purdue. However, upon closer inspection, there’s one big-name school noticeably absent.
The current #MarchMadness Top 16 seeds ????
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) February 21, 2026
1. Michigan
2. Duke
3. Arizona
4. Iowa State
5. UConn
6. Houston
7. Illinois
8. Purdue
9. Florida
10. Kansas
11. Nebraska
12. Gonzaga
13. Texas Tech
14. Michigan State
15. Vanderbilt
16. Virginia pic.twitter.com/DwOQ6EXqE0
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Didn’t Make the Cut
Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images
That’s right, UNC is not listed in the NCAA’s Top 16. Although longtime fans of the program may be shocked that the 6-time championship-winning program didn’t make the cut, viewers of the college basketball season may not be. As of publication, UNC is 20-6 overall and 8-5 in the ACC conference. Additionally, while the AP has the school ranked in the Top 25 in the 16th spot, the Coaches Poll has UNC listed in the 20th position.
Part of UNC’s recent troubles, as shared by The Fayetteville Observer, is rooted in their missing Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar in the roster due to injury. However, even before those injuries, the school has been battling shocking deficiencies in its defense and struggling a bit in perimeter shooting. So when laid out this way, perhaps UNC’s snub isn’t so shocking.
Will UNC Make the NCAA’s March Madness in 2026?
Tar Heel fans shouldn’t worry about UNC missing March Madness this year. The NCAA only released its Top 16 seeds, and 68 teams officially compete. It’s likely that UNC will be among the teams playing. Selection Sunday this year to announce the participants in March Madness takes place on Sunday, March 1, at 6 pm ET on CBS.
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