NCAA Tournament: Four teams on upset alert in the Round of 64

The 2026 NCAA Tournament is officially here. We know you're already itching to fill out your bracket, but don't break out the permanent marker just yet. 

Before you make any final decisions, let's check out five college basketball favorites on upset alert in the Round of 64. 

No. 4 Alabama (vs. No. 13 Hofstra)

Hofstra is an appealing underdog in March Madness because, unlike most mid-major teams, it tested itself against Power 4 teams in the non-conference. The Pride beat Pittsburgh and Syracuse on the road and lost by only four points to 10-seed UCF earlier this season, proving they can hang with more talented teams. 

This could be a tough matchup for Alabama because it loves to push the pace, but Hofstra ranks 317th in the country in adjusted tempo, per KenPom. The Pride also have two electric guards in Cruz Davis and Preston Edmead, who both shoot better than 38 percent from three. Davis and Edmead won't be intimidated by Alabama's high-powered backcourt. 

No. 4 Kansas (vs. No. 13 Cal Baptist)

Kansas is a high-ceiling, low-floor team that can beat or lose to any team on any given night. The Jayhawks sputtered down the stretch, going 4-5 in their last nine games and losing by 22 to Houston in the Big 12 Tournament, and you never know what you're going to get from star guard Darryn Peterson. 

Kansas could easily slip up against Cal Baptist and Dominique Daniels Jr., who ranks third in the country in scoring (23.2 points per game). Daniels has averaged 32.0 points per game in his last three, and he's ready to play spoiler in the Round of 64.