We Drafted the Best First-Round March Madness Games

On Wednesday's edition of The Daily Drive with Ace Sauerwein, the Voice of the Griz Riley Corcoran and I drafted our most anticipated games to watch in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

We went back and forth on picks, drafting our "Starting 5." Here are the most anticipated games of the Round of 64.

Riley Corcoran's Starting 5: Best Round of 64 Games

1) #5 Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. #12 Akron Zips (Midwest Region in Tampa)

The Red Raiders play the Zips in the dangerous 5 vs. 12-seeded matchup. There were two 12-seed upsets last year (McNeese State and Colorado State), and 57 total since the current bracket was implemented in 1985.

2) #8 Georgia Bulldogs vs. #9 St. Louis Billikens (Midwest Region in Buffalo)

The Billikens were a mid-major powerhouse this season, winning 28 games. Plus, they have America's sweetheart, ol Goggles McGee, aka Alex Avila. Can they pull of the (slight) upset of the SEC's Georgia Bulldogs?

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3) #8 Villanova Wildcats vs. #9 Utah State Aggies (West Region in San Diego)

4) #6 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. #11 VCU Rams (South Region in Greenville)

5) #7 Santa Clara Broncos vs. #10 Kentucky Wildcats (Midwest Region in St. Louis)

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Ace Sauerwein's Starting 5: Best Round of 64 Games

1) #6 Louisville Cardinals vs. #11 USF Bulls (East Region in Buffalo)

I believe USF will have one of the best chances to pull off a double-seeded upset, and they may have the best chance. Louisville will be without its star freshman, Mikel Brown Jr. South Florida has won 11 in a row.

2) #5 Wisconsin Badgers vs. #12 High Point Panthers (West Region in Portland)

The Badgers are the team I grew up rooting for, so I have a vested interest. Even without the rooting interest, High Point will be a tough challenge for the Badgers. Plus, if you like points, this game is for you.

3) #4 Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. #13 Troy Trojans (South Region in Oklahoma City)

4) #6 BYU Cougars vs. #11 Texas Longhorns (West Region in Portland)

5) #3 Michigan State Spartans vs. #14 North Dakota State Bison (East Region in Buffalo)