NCAA Tournament 2026 Probabilities: Selecting All Elite Eight Games, Including a Trio of Top Seeds The NCAA Tournament may not be as unpredictable as last year, when the top four seeds reached the Final Four, but it remains a fiercely competitive event. While there have been some surprises this season, the path to the Elite Eight still holds the potential for three top seeds to advance to the Final Four. These three teams are currently considered favorites for this weekend’s matchups. Whether the tournament will continue to deliver chaos or follow a more predictable pattern remains to be seen. Here are the selections for the Elite Eight games, as outlined by BetMGM’s betting odds: Illinois (-6.5) over Iowa Illinois’ victory over Houston, the second-seeded team from their region, sets up a showdown against the ninth-seeded team, marking the first time the Fighting Illini have reached the Final Four since 2005. Illinois is a formidable squad, capable of finishing as high as first place, despite finishing second in their conference. The team has endured four overtime losses in their first nine NCAA Tournament games, yet they boast an efficient offense and a potential NBA lottery pick in freshman guard Keaton Wagler. While Iowa, the ninth seed, is a tough opponent, Illinois’ size and shooting accuracy—hitting 62.1% of their three-point attempts—gave them an edge in their previous matchup. Iowa’s recent strong performance, including a comeback win over Nebraska, does not diminish Illinois’ status as the superior team in this matchup. Arizona (-6.5) over Purdue Arizona has dominated the NCAA Tournament this season, defeating opponents by margins of 34, 12, and 21 points. Their Sweet 16 victory over Arkansas was particularly impressive, as they shot 37 of 58 field goals (64%) against the Razorbacks.#arizona #illinois #iowa #purdue #ncaa_tournament_2026
Des Moines weather: Windy and cooler with high fire danger today A strong north breeze is bringing cooler air and elevated fire risk to Iowa today, with gusts expected to persist through Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for high fire danger, covering central and southwest Iowa, including the Des Moines metro area, through 9 p.m. This warning highlights the combination of dry conditions, strong winds, and low humidity, which create ideal conditions for wildfires to spread quickly. Temperatures are significantly below average for this time of year, with the metro area experiencing morning lows in the 30s. Wind chills dropped into the teens due to the persistent north winds, which are blowing at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph. These winds are keeping temperatures cool, with the Des Moines area seeing highs in the upper 40s, while southern and southwestern Iowa may reach the low 50s. Northern Iowa remains cooler, with highs in the mid-40s. The cold air is expected to linger through Friday night, with overnight lows falling into the mid-20s. This marks the coldest air seen in the state in the past 10 days. However, the winds are set to shift temporarily overnight, allowing for slightly warmer conditions. Despite this, the overall trend remains chilly, with temperatures remaining below average for this season. The warming trend is expected to return on Saturday as south winds pick up, with gusts reaching 25 mph. This will help push temperatures back into the upper 50s and possibly the 60s by Saturday afternoon. Sunday’s forecast shows a gradual increase, with highs in the upper 60s and low 70s. Monday is expected to be the warmest day of the week, with temperatures reaching the upper 70s and possibly the low 80s.#national_weather_service #iowa #red_flag_warning #des_monmouths #des_monroe
Women's March Madness results: UCLA, UConn, South Carolina cruise into Sweet 16; Virginia upsets Iowa to advance to first Sweet 16 since 2000 The second round of the women’s NCAA tournament concluded with a mix of dominant performances and unexpected upsets, setting the stage for the Sweet 16. Among the standout moments was No. 10 seed Virginia’s thrilling double-overtime victory over No. 2 seed Iowa, marking the Cavaliers’ first Sweet 16 appearance since 2000. The game, played at Iowa’s home court, saw Virginia push through a tightly contested match to secure a 83-75 win, sending the team to Sacramento for the next round. Meanwhile, top seeds UConn, UCLA, and South Carolina advanced without difficulty, showcasing their dominance. UConn’s 98-45 dismantling of Syracuse highlighted their firepower, with Azzi Fudd leading the way for the Huskies. UCLA’s 87-68 win over Oklahoma State was marked by a dominant performance from Lauren Betts, who scored 35 points in her final game at the Bruins’ home court. South Carolina’s 101-61 rout of USC further solidified their position as a powerhouse, with JuJu Watkins and Joyce Edwards playing key roles. Other notable results included No. 6 seed Notre Dame’s 83-73 upset over No. 3 Ohio State, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the tournament. Kentucky and West Virginia’s 74-73 overtime clash added to the day’s excitement, while Vanderbilt’s 75-57 victory over Illinois showcased Mikayla Blakes’ scoring prowess, as the Commodores built a commanding lead. The tournament’s second round featured a blend of high-powered offenses and defensive grit. Virginia’s overtime win over Iowa underscored the underdog spirit, while UCLA’s early control of Oklahoma State demonstrated their depth.#ucla #south_carolina #iowa #uconn #virginia
Mitchell Mesenbrink Finds Wrestling and Chess Linked, Advances to NCAA Title Match Mitchell Mesenbrink of Penn State wrestling showcased his strategic mindset by leveraging parallels between chess and wrestling, ultimately securing his place in the NCAA Division I Men’s Wrestling Championships final. The 2026 tournament saw Mesenbrink defeat Columbia’s Cesar Alvan by technical fall, 15-0, in the semifinals at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. His victory highlighted his ability to adapt his approach, balancing mental discipline with physical execution. Mesenbrink described wrestling as a game of chess, emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in both disciplines. “Stylistically and technically, chess is very similar to wrestling,” he explained. “You have passive wrestlers or aggressive ones, and you can see that in chess too. It’s a sport-wide concept.” This mindset proved crucial in his quarterfinal match against North Carolina’s Bryce Hepner, where Mesenbrink couldn’t rely on a full attack due to Hepner’s defensive style. Instead, Mesenbrink relied on nearfall points and accumulated riding time to secure the win, maintaining his focus on execution over ego. The 2026 championship bout against Iowa’s Mikey Caliendo looms as a pivotal moment for Mesenbrink. If he triumphs, he would join an elite group of Penn State wrestlers who have won the Hodge Trophy, an honor recognizing the nation’s top collegiate wrestler. Mesenbrink, however, downplays the trophy’s significance, calling it a “futile” award based on subjective votes. “I’m not going to put my well-being into something people decide,” he said. “It’s cool, but it’s not the end goal.” Beyond individual accolades, Mesenbrink’s performance could also shape Penn State’s team legacy.#penn_state #iowa #rocket_arena #mitchell_mesenbrink #cesar_alvan
5 Takeaways from Session III of NCAA Wrestling Championships Iowa advanced three wrestlers to the NCAA semifinals, with Michael Caliendo, Patrick Kennedy, and Angelo Ferrari securing their spots after overtime victories in the quarterfinals. Iowa State’s Yonger Bastida earned his second All-American honor, marking his first since 2022. The session highlighted strong performances from Iowa’s squad, with key moments shaping the tournament’s momentum. Iowa’s success began with a strong start, posting a 16-2 record on Day 1. However, the Hawkeyes faced a setback in Session III, losing their first three quarterfinal matches. Despite this, they rebounded with five consecutive wins, including victories for Caliendo (165), Kennedy (174), and freshman Angelo Ferrari (184). Ryder Block (149) and Gabe Arnold (197) also contributed by winning consolation matches, helping Iowa close the session with seven wins in their final eight bouts. Caliendo, the lone quarterfinalist favored by seed, delivered a dominant performance with a 14-3 major decision over Stanford’s E.J. Parco. His 102nd career victory solidified his status as one of Iowa’s most consistent performers. Caliendo’s journey to the semifinals underscored his experience and adaptability. After a pin and technical fall in earlier rounds, he faced a tough challenge from Parco but maintained composure to secure the win. “It’s a grind of a tournament; you just have to take it one match at a time,” Caliendo said. His ability to perform under pressure has been a hallmark of his career, with previous finishes including a NCAA runner-up title last season and fourth- and seventh-place finishes in prior years. Patrick Kennedy’s path to the semifinals was equally notable.#iowa #iowa_state #michael_caliendo #patrick_kennedy #angelo_ferrari
Sen. Joni Ernst speaks at Politics and Eggs event at New Hampshire Institute of Politics Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican, addressed attendees at a Politics and Eggs event hosted by the New Hampshire Institute of Politics on Friday. The event took place in the Granite State, where Ernst reflected on recent developments in her home state. She noted that the past week had been particularly challenging due to the deaths of two Iowans among U.S. service members killed in the early stages of military action against Iran. Ernst expressed her belief that the conflict would ultimately contribute to greater regional security. She emphasized the importance of the U.S. commitment to protecting its citizens from threats posed by Iran and its allies. “Our commander in chief is ensuring that neither Iran nor its proxies can ever take another one of our citizens’ lives,” she stated. “This objective is clear: no American should have to live under the threat of Iran-backed terror.” She also reiterated her opposition to prolonged warfare, stating, “Like every American, I have no desire to see a long, drawn-out war.” The senator also announced her intention to retire from public office at the end of the year. She highlighted her unique position as the first woman combat veteran to serve in the U.S. Senate, a distinction she has carried throughout her career. Her remarks underscored her focus on national security and the need for decisive action to safeguard American interests while balancing the desire to avoid unnecessary conflict. The event, which combined political discussion with a nod to local tradition, provided a platform for Ernst to address both current challenges and her future plans.#iowa #sen_joni_ernst #new_hampshire_institute_of_politics #politics_and_eggs #granite_state
UCLA vs. Iowa in the Big Ten Women’s Title Game: Prediction, Odds, and Key Insights The 2026 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament has reached its final, with No. 1 seed UCLA and No. 2 seed Iowa set to clash in Indianapolis. The matchup, scheduled for Sunday, March 8, at 2:15 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, pits two powerhouse programs against each other in a battle for the conference crown. UCLA, the reigning Big Ten champion, seeks to secure its second title in three years, while Iowa aims to extend its dominance in the tournament, which it has won four times since 2022. The Bruins, led by 6-foot-7 forward Lauren Betts, entered the season as overwhelming favorites. Their 30-1 record includes a perfect 18-0 mark in Big Ten play, with 17 wins coming by double digits. UCLA’s size and depth have been key factors, as evidenced by their 88-65 victory over Iowa on February 1. The Bruins’ five players in double figures, 58% shooting efficiency, and 19 turnovers forced in that game underscored their dominance. However, Iowa’s resilience in the tournament has shifted the narrative. Iowa, ranked No. 9 in the country, has defied expectations after a second-place finish in the Big Ten standings. The Hawkeyes’ coach, Jan Jensen, acknowledged the team’s underdog story, noting that no one predicted their current position. “We’re at a spot now where nobody in the country thought we’d be,” Jensen said, emphasizing the team’s belief in their abilities. Iowa’s success has been fueled by grit and adaptability, with players like Chit-Chat Wright and Hannah Stuelke stepping up in critical moments. Both teams have focused on their own preparation ahead of the final.#gainbridge_fieldhouse #ucla #iowa #jan_jensen #charlisse_legger_walker
Everything Jan Jensen, Journey Houston, Taylor Stremlow Said Following Win Over No. 10 Illinois Iowa secured a 64-58 victory over No. 10 Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament, marking another strong start to the postseason. Despite the final score, the Hawkeyes maintained a double-digit lead for much of the game before benching their starters with four minutes remaining, allowing Illinois to mount a late surge. Head coach Jan Jensen, along with players Journey Houston and Taylor Stremlow, addressed the media after the game, offering insights into their performance and strategies. Jensen praised the team’s opening to the tournament, noting Illinois’ challenges with playing three games in three days. She highlighted the importance of preparation, stating, “We really knew the scout, and I think our defense set the tone.” The coach expressed gratitude for the win, emphasizing the value of experience against a strong opponent. Houston reflected on a pivotal fourth-quarter play where she stole the ball from Illinois’ Cearah Parchment. “I really just have the stay-ready mindset all the time,” she said, adding that the team had to adapt to recent adversity with key players sidelined. She emphasized the importance of staying focused during critical moments. Stremlow discussed the team’s approach to maintaining composure when Illinois closed the gap. “We’re trying to stay together, stay on the same page,” she said, noting that the group’s effort during the game would benefit future matchups. She also highlighted a memorable play in the second quarter, where teammate Chit-Chat dropped the ball between her legs, allowing Stremlow to make a one-handed pass. “Those plays are fun,” she said, acknowledging the team’s chemistry.#big_ten_tournament #iowa #jan_jensen #journey_houston #taylor_stremlow
Big Ten Standings: Final Games Determine Tournament Seeds With one game remaining for each team, the Big Ten conference is entering the final stretch of the regular season, setting the stage for the upcoming tournament in Chicago. After Thursday’s action, including Michigan State’s narrow victory over Rutgers and Michigan’s overtime win against Iowa, all 18 teams are locked in a race to secure favorable seeding for the postseason. The outcomes of these final matchups will determine which teams earn triple byes, double byes, or must compete earlier in the tournament. Nebraska’s path to a top seed is particularly intriguing. A win over Iowa on Sunday, combined with a Michigan State loss to Michigan, could elevate the Huskers to as high as a 2 seed. Conversely, a loss to Iowa and a Purdue victory over Wisconsin could drop Nebraska to a 5 seed, potentially knocking them out of the triple bye. The Boilermakers’ game against Wisconsin on Saturday will play a critical role in shaping the standings, as its result will be finalized before Nebraska faces Iowa at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Iowa also has a chance to secure a double bye if Ohio State loses its Saturday matchup. For Nebraska, the focus is straightforward: a win over Iowa ensures a 2 or 3 seed in the tournament, avoiding early-round play. The Huskers’ game against Iowa is set for 4 p.m. on Sunday, with the outcome carrying significant weight for their tournament positioning. The tournament format, which will take place in Chicago, features all 18 teams competing. The top four seeds receive a triple bye, entering the tournament on Friday, while the top eight earn a double bye. The bracket will unfold over four days, with the lowest-seeded teams (15-18) facing off on Tuesday, followed by 9-16 on Wednesday, 5-12 on Thursday, and the quarterfinals on Friday.#nebraska #iowa #big_ten #purdue #wisconsin
Weight-by-weight preview of Big Ten wrestling championships The Big Ten Championships remain one of the most challenging conference titles to secure, with the 2026 event continuing this tradition. The conference fields the top-ranked wrestler at nine of the 10 weight classes and boasts depth across all divisions. Pre-seeds for the tournament have been released, offering insight into potential matchups and paths to the championship. At 165 pounds, Penn State’s Luke Lilledahl holds the No. 1 pre-seed after an undefeated 8-0 conference season, including a fall and four technical falls. Illinois’ Spencer Moore is the No. 2 pre-seed with a 7-0 record, while Nic Bouzakis, ranked second nationally, is seeded third. Bouzakis’ one loss to Lilledahl could position him to jump a spot in the bracket, potentially earning a first-round bye. Lilledahl’s path to a second consecutive title may begin with a matchup against Iowa’s Dean Peterson, who holds a 4-1 career edge over the Nittany Lion. In the semifinals, Lilledahl could face either Indiana’s Jacob Moran or Minnesota’s Jore Volk, both ranked among the top 15. A potential championship clash against Bouzakis would mark a rematch of Lilledahl’s sudden-victory win earlier this season. Illinois’ Lucas Byrd and Penn State’s Marcus Blaze both went undefeated in the regular season, but Byrd secured the No. 2 pre-seed, while Blaze earned the No. 3 spot. Byrd’s path includes a potential semifinal showdown with No. 9 Drake Ayala of Iowa, who finished as a runner-up in both the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments last year. Wisconsin’s Zan Fugitt, a 2025 All-American, is seeded fourth, two spots ahead of Nebraska’s Jacob Van Dee. At 141 pounds, Ohio State’s Jesse Mendez holds the No. 1 pre-seed after an undefeated season and a 20-2 record.#penn_state #big_ten_championships #illinois #nebraska #iowa
