March Madness picks are always challenging to make given the pluckiness of Cinderella and 2026 is no different with several teams primed to pull off upsets in the NCAA Tournament. There’s two different type of Cinderellas to identify when you are making your March Madness bracket picks.
While these teams do not fit the traditional definition, keep an eye on power conference squads who are double-digit seeds. These are normally teams who were able to beat some of the top programs in their conference while also playing down to inferior opponents.
It is the type of school who enters March Madness with experience playing against the top teams in the country and will not be intimidated by the NCAA Tournament.
Then there is the more obvious Cinderella candidates from mid-major conferences. These are the lovable underdogs poised to knock off Goliath.
Here’s a look at the top teams who can pull off an upset during March Madness. We will update these picks with opponents as soon as the bracket is revealed.
No. 13 Hofstra Over Alabama
Hofstra could be the team everyone is talking about heading into the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. The Pride has notable wins over Pitt and Syracuse and also kept it close against UCF to start the season.
Hofstra’s strong three-point shooting (top-30 team) combined with offensive rebounding offers the perfect resume for a March Madness run. Former St. John’s guard Cruz Davis leads the team, averaging 20 points per game. An added bonus is Hofstra’s roster is loaded with senior players.
It will be a strong test for Hofstra against Alabama, but the team enters the NCAA Tournament tested.
No. 8 Saint Louis Has a Chance to Make Sweet 16 Run
Depending on their seed, this may not seem like much of an upset, but Saint Louis has the makings of a team that could win multiple games during March Madness. Fans may remember viral sensation Robbie Avila from his standout tenure with Indiana State.
This squad is loaded with seniors who can shoot the rock. Saint Louis hit more than 40% of their threes this season. Their opponents should be aware of Saint Louis’ high-powered offense.
The Billiken have been particularly hot heading into the NCAA Tournament. Saint Louis landed a No. 8 seed and will take on No. 9 Georgia.
It may be a challenge, but Saint Louis has a chance to upset No. 1 seeded Michigan and make a run to the Sweet 16.
No. 12 Akron Over No. 5 Texas Tech
Senior guard Tavari Johnson has the Zips looking like a potential Cinderella. Johnson is averaging 20 points per game this season.
The team has solid wins against Tulane and Princeton. Akron can really shoot it from long range, ranking as a top-15 team nationally. If Akron’s shots fall in the NCAA Tournament, the Zips can win several games.
Akron faces a Texas Tech team that enters the tourney dealing with unfortunate injuries.
No. 13 Cal Baptist Over No. 4 Kansas
Even the most hardcore college basketball fans have probably not heard about Cal Baptist, but the Lancers enter March with an impressive resume.
Two reasons why Cal Baptist can pull off an upset: rebounding and having one of the best scorers in the country. Cal Baptist wins games by dominating teams on the glass.
Senior guard Dominique Daniels is averaging 23.2 points per game and is a name to watch in March. Kansas will be a major challenge but Cal Baptist has a chance to keep pace with the inconsistent Jayhawks.
No. 11 Miami (Ohio) Has Chance to Make Run in NCAA Tournament
There are going to be plenty of haters when it comes to Miami. No, not the team in South Beach.
We’re talking about the Redhawks who were undefeated in the regular season. After winning 31 straight games, Miami heads into the NCAA Tournament coming off their first loss.
It may actually help Miami with the pressure off to remain undefeated. The one red flag is if Miami faces an opponent who is physical and can dominate games by rebounding.
Miami ends up in Dayton and will need to top SMU in order to play Tennessee. It could work in Miami’s favorite to get an NCAA Tournament game under their belt before facing the Vols.
Miami has the ability to pull off upsets against No. 6 Tennessee and No. 3 Virginia.
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