Shocking NCAA Madness: Can Furman and Troy's Surprising Wins Change Everything in 2026?

As we approach Selection Sunday, the excitement surrounding the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is palpable. With 31 of the tournament's 68 spots set to be claimed through conference automatic bids this week, fans are gearing up for a thrilling Championship Week filled with nonstop basketball action. Here's a look at the latest teams that have secured their places in March Madness and what makes their journeys notable.

Teams That Have Clinched Bids

Southern: Furman

Record: 22-12, 10-8 SoCon
Last tournament appearance: 2023
All-time tournament record: 2-8
What to know: The Furman Paladins have made headlines by winning their conference tournament as a 6-seed, defeating top-seeded East Tennessee State and third-seeded Samford. Their last NCAA appearance was memorable, as they upset 4-seed Virginia in 2023 with a dramatic game-winning three-pointer that stunned commentator Stan Van Gundy. The question now is: can they create more March Madness magic under coach Bob Richey?

Sun Belt: Troy

Record: 22-11, 12-6 Sun Belt
Last tournament appearance: 2025
All-time tournament record: 0-3
What to know: The Troy Trojans, led by coach Scott Cross, have returned to the NCAA Tournament for a second consecutive year after a stellar season as the regular-season champions. They faced a resilient 10-seed Georgia Southern team that had an impressive five-game winning streak to reach the championship. The Trojan lineup boasts a family connection, with coach Cross's son, Austin, on the bench alongside brothers Cooper and Cobi Campbell, who are both starting players.

Summit: North Dakota State

Record: 27-7, 14-2 Summit
Last tournament appearance: 2019
All-time tournament record: 2-4
What to know: North Dakota State clinched its tournament spot by defeating rival North Dakota, marking their third win over them this season. With a school-record 27 wins, the Bison feature a balanced scoring attack, aiming to defy the odds as a projected 14 seed. Coach David Richman's successful season may lead him to larger opportunities if they pull off an upset in the tournament.

Atlantic Sun: Queens

Record: 21-13, 13-5 ASUN
Last tournament appearance: Never
All-time tournament record: 0-0
What to know: Queens University made history by reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time. Their overtime victory over Central Arkansas was marked by a stellar performance from Camren Hunter, who scored a school-record 46 points. Transitioning from Division II to Division I only last year, this achievement is a remarkable milestone for the program.

Big South: High Point

Record: 30-4, 15-1 Big South
Last tournament appearance: 2025
All-time tournament record: 0-1
What to know: High Point's resurgence has been impressive, securing a second consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament after overcoming Winthrop once again. First-year coach Flynn Clayman has transformed the team following the departure of key players, leading them to be the Big South's top offensive and defensive unit.

Missouri Valley: Northern Iowa

Record: 23-12, 11-9 MVC
Last tournament appearance: 2016
All-time tournament record: 5-8
What to know: Northern Iowa capitalized on an unexpected chance to claim the MVC auto-bid after top-seeded Belmont fell early in the tournament. Coach Ben Jacobsen, in his 20th year at the helm, is headed to his fifth NCAA Tournament with a team that features several players from Iowa, including Trey Campbell, who led the Panthers with 23 points in the championship game.

Ohio Valley: Tennessee State

Record: 23-9, 15-5 OVC
Last tournament appearance: 1994
All-time tournament record: 0-2
What to know: After a 32-year drought, Tennessee State has returned to the NCAA Tournament under the leadership of Nolan Smith, who has brought out the best in returning stars Aaron Nkrumah and Travis Harper II. The team ranks highly nationally in steal percentage and opponent turnover percentage, showcasing Smith's excellent coaching ability.

Northeast: LIU

Record: 23-10, 15-3 NEC
Last tournament appearance: 2018
All-time tournament record: 0-7
What to know: Long Island University, coached by former NBA star Rod Strickland, has secured its spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018. They earned their bid before the final thanks to Mercyhurst's ineligibility. The Sharks are projected as a No. 16 seed, and they have a solid defense led by the NEC defensive player of the year, Greg Gordon.

As Championship Week progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups as teams vie for their shot at glory. Upcoming games include the Northeast match between Mercyhurst and LIU on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET, along with several other pivotal contests that could reshape the tournament landscape.