Tennessee Women's Basketball 2026 Signee Requests Release from Commitment Five-Star Plus+ power forward Oliviyah Edwards, ranked No. 2 in ESPN SportsCenter’s Next 100 list, has requested to be released from her national letter of intent to play for the University of Tennessee, according to Talia Goodman of Rivals. The announcement comes as the Lady Vols prepare for the 2026-27 season, which will mark the third year under head coach Kim Caldwell. Edwards, a highly touted prospect, had committed to Tennessee in September 2025, declaring her decision with the phrase “Big Oh to the Big Orange.” At the time, she highlighted her excitement about joining the program, stating, “I’m blessed and excited to announce my commitment to the University of Tennessee! Go Lady Vols.” Her decision was made amid a competitive recruitment process, as she had also considered offers from Florida, LSU, South Carolina, USC, and Washington. The release request places Edwards in a unique position, as she becomes the highest-ranked prospect to withdraw from a commitment with Tennessee since Jordan Horston in 2019. Horston, a former five-star recruit, had played a pivotal role in the Lady Vols’ 2018 NCAA championship run. Edwards’ potential departure could have significant implications for the program, particularly as the team seeks to build on its recent success under Caldwell. Caldwell, who took over as head coach in 2024, has led Tennessee to a 40–24 record over two seasons, including a 16–16 mark in the SEC. The Lady Vols advanced to the NCAA Tournament in both 2025 and 2026, with their 2025 run reaching the Sweet 16. Caldwell’s tenure has been marked by efforts to strengthen the roster, and Edwards’ commitment was seen as a key addition to the program’s future.#university_of_tennessee #sweet_16 #oliviyah_edwards #talia_goodman #kimbeth_caldwell
March Madness Tournament Enters Sweet 16 Stage The 2026 men’s college basketball tournament has advanced to the Sweet 16 round, with 16 teams remaining in the race for the national championship. Following the first two rounds of the single-elimination format, the competition has showcased the dominance of elite teams, narrowing the field to mostly top-seeded squads. The tournament’s predictability has been tested, as bracket predictions were upended by unexpected upsets, particularly in the Scuttleball bracket—a term used to describe the chaotic nature of bracketology. Ben Capuco emerged as a standout figure in the bracket race, leading his team, Michigan, to a strong position in the standings. However, the top five teams in the Scuttleball bracket—Ken Redler (Purdue), Jack Kunze (Arizona), Nick Mauprivez (Arizona), and Doug Steffenson (Iowa State)—have shown they are still in the running for the title. The tournament’s progression has been marked by high-stakes matchups, with the Sweet 16 set to begin on March 26-27, followed by the Elite Eight on March 28-29. Despite the excitement of the basketball tournament, the author notes their own experience with an experiment involving ChatGPT, which led to a less-than-ideal bracket outcome. Nevertheless, they remain optimistic about Arizona’s chances to secure the title and look forward to the matchup against UConn. The author also mentions the upcoming Major League Baseball season, with Opening Day scheduled for March 26, as their San Diego Padres host the Detroit Tigers. While the baseball season has diverted attention from the sailing-focused Scuttlebutt Sailing News, the author promises to return to reporting on the tournament’s developments.#michigan #sweet_16 #march_madness_tournament #scuttleball_bracket #ben_capuco
Trey Kaufman-Renn’s last-second putback gives Purdue victory over Texas, advances to Elite 8 Purdue’s No. 2 seed Boilermakers secured a thrilling 79-77 win over 11th-seeded Texas in the Sweet 16, sending them to the Elite Eight with a dramatic final play. The game remained tightly contested throughout, with Texas closing the gap in the final moments. With 11 seconds remaining, Texas’ Dailyn Swain scored and was fouled, tying the game at 77. Purdue retained possession and turned to guard Braden Smith, who drove to the basket but missed the potential game-winning shot. Fortunately for Purdue, Kaufman-Renn was positioned to grab the rebound and immediately score a putback, giving his team a 78-77 lead with 0.7 seconds left. Texas had no time to respond, as the buzzer sounded, sealing Purdue’s victory. The win marks a significant milestone for Purdue, continuing their strong performance in the NCAA tournament. Kaufman-Renn was instrumental in the victory, finishing with a team-high 20 points. His clutch play in the final seconds underscored his importance to the Boilermakers’ success. The Boilermakers will now face the winner of the matchup between No. 1 Arizona and No. 4 Arkansas in the Elite Eight, with a potential trip to the Final Four on the line. The game’s intensity and last-minute drama highlighted the unpredictability of the tournament. Purdue’s ability to capitalize on critical moments, particularly in the final seconds, proved decisive. While Texas’ efforts to rally were commendable, Purdue’s resilience and execution in high-pressure situations secured their advancement. The result also emphasizes the competitive nature of the tournament, where underdog teams can challenge higher-seeded opponents. As Purdue moves closer to the Final Four, the focus will shift to preparing for their next challenge.#purdue #braden_smith #trey_kaufmanrenn #sweet_16 #dailyn_swain
Jeff Walz, Louisville players preview Sweet 16 Jeff Walz, the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals, reflected on the team's journey to the Sweet 16 during a press conference in Fort Worth. He praised the experience of being at the event, calling the support from the community and the organization "absolutely first class." Walz expressed confidence in the team's ability to compete against the talented Michigan squad the following day. When asked about the narrative surrounding the team's progress, Walz acknowledged the need for new content as the tournament progresses. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and showcasing talented players, particularly in women's basketball, where he believes the media often overlooks emerging stars. He cited Kymora Johnson as one of the best point guards in the country, noting that her performance would have warranted more attention if not for the lack of media coverage. Walz also shared a personal anecdote about his friendship with Cori, a fellow coach, and expressed his philosophy on work and dedication. He encouraged those in the industry to embrace their roles and not seek sympathy for the challenges they face. He highlighted the importance of teamwork and the growth of his players, noting that they have matured significantly over the past two years. Walz praised the development of his sophomore-led team, emphasizing their ability to play together and adapt to high-pressure situations. He stressed the importance of learning how to score efficiently and play with other skilled players, a skill set that will be crucial for their future careers in the WNBA.#louisville_cardinals #jeff_walz #kymora_johnson #sweet_16 #cori
Bill Murray is expected to attend the Michigan State-UConn Sweet 16 basketball game on Friday, March 27, following his recent appearances at NCAA tournament games. The actor, known for his roles in "Groundhog Day," "Ghostbusters," and "Caddyshack," was spotted at the Connecticut-UCLA second-round matchup on March 22 and the UConn-Furman first-round game on March 20. This marks his third consecutive season attending UConn games, including the team’s back-to-back national championship runs in 2023 and 2024. Murray’s presence at the Sweet 16 is anticipated, as he will likely be in Washington to watch the Huskies face the Spartans. Murray’s connection to UConn extends beyond his public appearances. His son, Luke Murray, is an assistant coach for the team, a role he has held since 2021. Luke, who previously worked under Chris Mack at Xavier and Louisville, is in his fifth season with UConn. This season will be his last with the program, as he has been hired as the head coach for Boston College. Luke’s coaching career includes stints at Post University, Wagner, Towson, and Rhode Island before joining UConn. His father’s support for the team is evident, as Murray has attended multiple postseason games, including the 2024 national championship, where Luke helped secure the victory. Murray’s fandom of UConn is rooted in his personal history. The actor, who graduated from Fairfield University in Connecticut, has long been a fan of the Huskies. His son’s role with the team has deepened this connection, making Murray a regular attendee at games. The actor’s presence at the Sweet 16 is not only a personal gesture but also a way to support his son’s coaching career. Fans of UConn may expect to see Murray at the game, given his history of attending key matchups.#uconn #michigan_state #bill_murray #luke_murray #sweet_16
Alabama's Aden Holloway Allowed Travel to Sweet 16, But Remains Suspended Alabama's star player Aden Holloway has been granted permission to travel out of state for the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game against Michigan, but his suspension due to a felony drug arrest remains in effect. The university confirmed to CBS Sports that Holloway's status will not change, and he is expected to stay away from the team's activities in Chicago this weekend. Holloway, Alabama's second-leading scorer, has not played since his March 16 arrest on felony charges related to drug possession. The West Alabama Narcotics Task Force allegedly discovered 2.1 pounds of vacuum-sealed marijuana, packaging materials, and a rolling tray at his Tuscaloosa residence. While this amount fell short of the 2.2 pounds needed for a potential drug-trafficking charge, Holloway was still charged with first-degree marijuana possession and failure to affix a tax stamp, both classified as felonies in Alabama. The possession charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Authorities also found promethazine, a prescription sedative, at Holloway's apartment, which could lead to an additional charge for possessing the drug without a valid prescription. Holloway posted $5,000 bond following his arrest and has been suspended from the team since. Despite his absence, Alabama has advanced to the Sweet 16, with the team relying on players like Latrell Wrightsell and Labaron Philon Jr. to fill the void. Wrightsell has scored 55 points in two NCAA Tournament games, while Philon Jr. has contributed 38 points and 19 assists. The Crimson Tide's success without Holloway has been notable, as they defeated Hofstra and Texas Tech in the first round of March Madness.#alabama #tuscaloosa #sweet_16 #aden_holloway #narcotics_task_force
Top transfers of NCAA Men's Tournament: Which players have biggest Sweet 16 impact? First-year transfers are making a significant impact in the 2026 NCAA Men’s Tournament as they push their teams toward the Sweet 16. With the rise of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, these transfers have become crucial assets for college programs, often bringing fresh talent and competitive edge. For some teams, reaching the Sweet 16 is a major achievement, while for others, like No. 1 seed Michigan, it marks a step closer to the Final Four. Here’s a look at the top first-year transfers shaping the Sweet 16 landscape. Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan’s No. 1-ranked transfer from UAB, has been a standout in his first season. The first-team All-American earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors, averaging 14.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 51.5% from the field. His performance has been instrumental in Michigan’s success this season. Bennett Stirtz, a guard for Iowa, has had a remarkable college journey. Starting at Division II Northwest Missouri State, he transferred to Drake under coach Ben McCollum before joining Iowa. Stirtz has emerged as a potential 2026 NBA Draft lottery pick, averaging 19.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. His ability to score 30+ points three times this season highlights his growth. Pryce Sandfort, a 6-foot-7 sharpshooter for Nebraska, left Iowa after the Hawkeyes parted ways with coach Fran McCaffery. His move proved successful, as he averaged 17.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 41% from beyond the arc. His scoring ability has been a key factor in Nebraska’s tournament run. Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who previously starred for Maryland in a Sweet 16 run, continues to excel for Tennessee.#ncaa_men_s_tournament #yaxel_lendeborg #pryce_sandfort #bennett_stirtz #sweet_16
College basketball is in a new era. This year’s Sweet 16 highlights the enduring influence of veteran coaches who are adapting to modern challenges while maintaining their distinct styles The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament’s Sweet 16 has become a microcosm of college basketball’s evolving landscape, showcasing how seasoned coaches are navigating the sport’s rapid changes. Despite the rise of new trends like NIL (name, image, likeness) deals and the transfer portal, veteran coaches like Brad Underwood, Rick Pitino, and Tom Izzo are proving their relevance. Their success in the tournament underscores a shift in the game’s dynamics, where experience and adaptability coexist. Underwood, 62, has undergone a subtle but significant transformation in his coaching philosophy. Once known for his rigid, no-nonsense approach, he now emphasizes communication and empathy. “I’m still disciplined, but I’ve become more communicative,” he said, explaining how he now provides reasoning for his strategies rather than simply issuing orders. This shift reflects a broader trend among older coaches who are reevaluating their methods to stay effective in an era defined by player autonomy and technological advancements. The Sweet 16 itself is a testament to the resilience of veteran coaches. Teams led by Rick Pitino (73), Tom Izzo (71), Rick Barnes (71), Kelvin Sampson (70), and Brad Underwood (62) have advanced to the regional semifinals, demonstrating that age need not equate to obsolescence. Pitino’s St. John’s, for instance, reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999, while Sampson’s Houston has made seven consecutive appearances, including two Final Fours. Izzo’s Michigan State has advanced to the Sweet 16 in three of the past four years, a streak that excludes the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season.#tom_izzo #ncaa_men_s_basketball_tournament #rick_pitino #sweet_16 #brad_underwood
