Expert Picks for Sweet Sixteen Showdown

0:00On March 26, the 2026 NCAA tournament rolls into the sweet 16 on Thursday and Friday with eight matchups packed with intrigue. Favres dominated the first round, with all 16 top seeds winning on one Friday for the first time since 1992, though upsets. Like ninth-seated Iowa over number one, Florida, shook things up. Experts from Yahoo Sports highlight value bets across the board, focusing on spreads and totals. Thursday kicks off with number 11 Texas-facing number two Purdue, where handicapper Matt Russell picks Purdue minus six and a half, citing there. Superior depth and efficiency against Texas' Cinderella run. Number nine, Iowa meets number four. Nebraska and a Big Ten rubber match. And Russell again backs Nebraska minus one and a half for their edge in. Versatility, Corby Craig lacks number four. Arkansas plus seven and a half against number one Arizona, noting the razor backs thrive, trailing and match up well.

1:00Physically, Frank Schwab takes number two Houston minus two and a half over number three Illinois in a clash of top offenses and defenses. Coaches and injuries add layers, like Rick Patino's stellar sweet 16 record boosting number five, St. John's plus six and a half against number. One Duke on Friday, per Matt Jacob. Despite Duke's shaky start without injured point guard, Caleb Foster. Number four, Alabama plus ten and a half versus number one Michigan draws Craig's nod for Nate Oates's unconventional defensive schemes. Friday wraps with Matt Russell favoring number three Michigan State plus one and a half over number two. Yukon and a near pickup between title winning. Coaches Tom Izzo and Danny Hurley, while Jacob eyes the under 135 and a half for a defensive battle. Matt Jacob also picks number two Iowa State minus four and a half against number six Tennessee, praising the Cyclone's dominance. These pick spot like close games and schematic edges that could swing brackets, setting up what promises to be another thrilling weekend of March.

2:04Madness.