It comes down to two games to decide a national champion in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The Argonaut sports staff predicted who they thought would take home the national championship in 2026.
Jayden
Who doesn’t love an underdog? Illinois has been exactly that. After beating no. 2 seed Houston, they come in red hot as one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country. However, on the other side, the UConn Huskies are a powerhouse and head coach Dan Hurley has led them to two championships in three seasons, winning both.
The Huskies balance potent outside shooting from guards Alex Karaban and Braylon Mullins, who nailed the game-winning three-pointer in their 73-72 Elite Eight win over Duke, with a dominant interior presence in center Tarris Reed Jr. I see the Huskies defeating Illinois and moving on to the National Championship Monday night.
Then we head into the nightcap, which in my opinion should be the national championship game, the two best teams all season: Michigan and Arizona. Both come in as no. 1 seeds and are red hot; on paper, they’re nearly identical.
Arizona is the best defensive team in the field, one of the most consistent defensive units in the country, and their efficiency on that end will cause the Wolverines some problems. They’re also one of the best rebounding teams and lead the country in getting to the free throw line.
Michigan brings a balanced offense built on physicality and the ability to light it up from the outside. In year two in Ann Arbor, Dusty May has built a team on the rise, but can they win the big game? I think they can. The balance of their bigs and their electrifying guards will be the difference, and the Wolverines will sneak by Arizona to reach the championship game.
In the title game, we have UConn, a program with championship DNA and experience, going for their third championship in three years, against the new kids on the block in Michigan, who have taken the NCAA Tournament by storm.
Forwards Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr., along with point guard Elliot Cadeau, will bring it on both ends. The Wolverines’ greatest strength is their balance and depth, and in a game where every possession matters, they get it done, defeating UConn 80-72 and walking away with their second national championship in program history.
Liam
All season long, I’ve believed that the two most dominant teams in college basketball have been Michigan and Arizona, and it’s not particularly close. From early on, I’ve said that if those two no. 1 seeds met in the Final Four, it would essentially serve as the national championship game.
That matchup presents a fascinating contrast. Arizona brings depth, discipline and efficiency on both ends of the floor. Michigan counters with physicality and the ability to score in bunches as quickly as any team in the country.
The key, in my eyes, is the first half. If Arizona can build a significant lead early, their structure and control should allow them to manage the game late. But if Michigan keeps it within striking distance, their scoring ability becomes overwhelming. I think it stays close, and in a game that lives up to the hype, Michigan edges Arizona 88-87 to punch its ticket to the title game.
On the other side, UConn makes yet another final four appearance, as they take on Illinois. In the last 15 years, UConn has reached the Final Four four times, and they won the national championship every time. That kind of success matters in March.
With Dan Hurley guiding the way and Tarris Reed dominating this tournament run, the Huskies feel built for the moment. Illinois impressed in the Elite Eight against a red-hot Iowa team, but their defensive inconsistency all season is a concern against a team as balanced and battle-tested as UConn. I see the Huskies advancing with a 80-71 win.
That sets up a championship matchup between Michigan and UConn, and while history favors the Huskies(6-0 all-time in national title games), I think that streak ends here. Led by Yaxel Lendeborg and head coach Dusty May, Michigan has the offensive firepower and toughness to break through. There’s also a bit of narrative at play, as May looks to redeem losing in heartbreaking fashion against San Diego State in the 2023 final four as the head coach of Florida Atlantic.
In the end, I have Michigan winning it all, 90-85, as a new program steps into the spotlight and ends one of college basketball’s most remarkable championship streaks.
Gage
Illinois vs. UConn:
In the first Final Four matchup, Illinois enters with confidence after a gritty tournament run highlighted by strong defensive play and balanced scoring. Their ability to control tempo and limit turnovers has been key, and they will look to impose that same discipline against a dangerous UConn squad. UConn, however, thrives on physicality and interior dominance, using their size and rebounding advantage to wear teams down. I expect this game to be a back-and-forth battle early, but if UConn can establish control in the paint, they may pull away late. Prediction: UConn edges Illinois in a tight, physical contest.
Michigan vs. Arizona:
The second semifinal features two nNo. 1 seeds, with Michigan showcasing one of the most complete teams in the nation. Their offensive efficiency and depth have overwhelmed opponents throughout the tournament. Arizona, on the other hand, has been explosive, using a fast-paced offense and sharp perimeter shooting to dismantle defenses. This game could turn into a high-scoring affair, with momentum swings throughout. If Michigan can slow the pace and execute in the half-court, they hold the advantage. Prediction: Michigan survives barely to advance.
March madness championship winner: UConn
Due to UConn’s incredible defense, disciplined movement and the strong ability to control games through is the reason why I believe UConn will take the tournament. UConn usually forces tough shots on their opponents, while also scoring timely buckets by their star players. Michigan is still a good team, but beating UConn’s defense while also holding their consistent offensive is easier said than done.
Predicted score: UConn: 74, Michigan: 69.