Jason Burgos
The first three rounds of the 2026 men’s NCAA Tournament are in the rearview, and we are now moving on to the Elite 8. On Saturday night, the biggest and best tournament in American sports resumes with only eight teams still standing. But who are the best teams left in the tourney?
We look to answer that question with our ranking of the Elite 8 teams set to hit the court this weekend.
Related: 2026 Elite Eight Predictions – Projecting Which Teams Reach Final Four
8. Iowa
While they were lost in the shadow of Iowa State during the regular season, Iowa returned to the big dance for the first time in three years this month and now has the full attention of its state after reaching the Elite 8. The main reason why an improbable run is a defense that gave up just 66.0 points to opponents during the season.
It played a major role in huge wins against Clemson, Florida, and then Nebraska in the Sweet 16.
7. Tennessee
Tennessee did not give the impression that they could be a problem in the NCAA Tournament as they limped into the brackets after losing four of their last six. However, the six-seed quieted their detractor with some very impressive play.
Led by future NBA Draft pick Nate Ament and senior guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie, the Volunteers have beaten 3-seed Virginia and title contender Iowa State to get to the Elite 8 this weekend.
6. UConn
UConn seemed like a serious title contender once again for much of the season. However, over the last month of their campaign, they started to struggle and lost twice to St. John’s, including a blowout defeat in the Big East tournament.
However, under the bright lights of March Madness, Dan Hurley’s team has played much better and earned their way into the Elite 8 with a hard-fought victory over Michigan State.
5. Illinois
Brad Underwood has turned Illinois into a force in the Big Ten and a consistent tournament participant. However, a key reason they are in the Elite 8 for the second time in three years is breakout star Keaton Wagler.
After a sluggish finish to the regular season, they have stormed their way through the NCAA Tournament. Scoring a trio of dominant wins, including a 10-point runaway victory over title contender Houston in the Sweet 16.
4. Purdue
Purdue has something most elite schools lack: Top players with a boatload of experience. That has come up big when the Boilermakers needed it most, because after a rough finish to the regular season, they were impressive en route to a Big Ten tourney win, and have continued that moment in March Madness.
While their Sweet 16 win over Texas did not come easy, their veteran team has the program in the Elite 8 for the second time in three seasons this weekend.
3. Michigan
Michigan has shown all season that head coach Dusty May has a team that can win the program’s first championship in close to 40 years next week. Big Ten POTY Yaxel Lendeborg leads a dominant front court that had the Wolverines among the 10 best scoring teams in the country during the regular season.
In their first three games of March Madness, they dominated their foes, including a dangerous Alabama team. However, the big knock on the Wolverines is that they have had one of the easier routes to the Elite 8.
2. Duke
Duke had a vintage Blue Devils regular season because of the outstanding performance of ACC POTY Cameron Boozer. The freshman, who stepped in to replace Cooper Flagg, led the team in points (he was also ninth best in the nation), rebounds, and assists during the regular season.
The potential No. 1 pick in the draft has come up big for his team in March Madness, especially in wins over St. John’s and Siena. While they have met real resistance over the first three rounds, Duke continues to prove they are at their best in crunch time.
1. Arizona
Arizona has been impressive throughout the 2025-26 season. Led by some fantastic play from freshman Brayden Burries and Big 12 player of the year Jaden Bradley, the Wildcats posted wins over 12 top-25 teams during the season.
They have continued that outstanding play in the NCAA Tournament. Posting blowout wins in every round, including a destructive 109-88 victory over Final Four dark horse Arkansas.
