The first three rounds of the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament are in the rearview, and now we head to the Elite 8. On Saturday night, the biggest and best tournament in American sports resumes with only eight teams still standing. But who are the best teams left in the tournament?
We aim to answer that question with our rankings of the Elite 8 teams that will take the court this weekend.
RELATED: 2026 Elite Eight Predictions – Guessing Which Teams Will Make the Final Four
8.Iowa
While they were lost in the shadow of Iowa State during the regular season, Iowa returned to the big dance for the first time in three years this month and now have their state's full attention after reaching the Elite 8. The main reason for an improbable run is a defense that allowed only 66.0 points to opponents during the season.
This played a major role in big wins against Clemson, Florida and then Nebraska in the Sweet 16.
7. Tennessee
Tennessee did not give the impression that they might be a problem in the NCAA Tournament as they went into the bracket having lost four of their last six. However, the six-seeds silenced their opponents with some very impressive play.
Led by future NBA draft pick Nate Ament and senior guard Ja'Coby Gillespie, the Volunteers defeated 3-seed Virginia and title contender Iowa State to reach the Elite 8 this weekend.
6. UConn
UConn looked to be a serious title contender once again for most of the season. However, in the last month of their campaign, they began to struggle and lost twice to St. John's, including a blowout loss in the Big East Tournament.
However, under the bright lights of March Madness, Dan Hurley's team has played much better and clinched their spot in the Elite 8 with a tough win over Michigan State.
5. Illinois
Brad Underwood has turned Illinois into a force in the Big Ten and a frequent tournament participant. However, a major reason they are in the Elite 8 for the second time in three years is breakout star Keaton Wagler.
After a slow finish to the regular season, they have made their way through the NCAA Tournament. Scoring a trio of key wins, including an unexpected 10-point win over title contender Houston in the Sweet 16.
4. Purdue
Purdue has something most elite schools lack: top players with experience. It came up big when the Boilermakers needed it most, as after a tough end to the regular season, they were impressive en route to a Big Ten Tournament victory, and have continued that momentum into March Madness.
While their Sweet 16 win over Texas wasn't easy, their veteran team heads into the Elite 8 for the second time in three seasons this weekend.
3.Michigan
Michigan has shown all season that head coach Dusty Mays has a team that can win the program's first championship in nearly 40 years next week. Big Ten freshman Yaxel Lendeborg leads a dominant front court, in which the Wolverines were one of the 10 best scoring teams in the country during the regular season.
In their first three games of March Madness, they dominated their foes, including a dangerous Alabama team. However, the big thing on the Wolverines is that they have one of the easier paths to the Elite 8.
2. Duke
Duke had a vintage Blue Devils regular season due to the outstanding performance of ACC pitcher Cameron Boozer. The freshman, who stepped in to replace Cooper Flagg, led the team in points (he was also ninth best in the country), rebounds and assists during the regular season.
The potential No. 1 pick in the draft has been a huge accomplishment for his team in March Madness, especially in wins over St. John's and Siena. While they have faced real resistance in the first three rounds, Duke continues to prove that they are at their best in crunch time.
1. Arizona
Arizona has been impressive throughout the 2025-26 season. Led by some stellar play from freshman Braden Burries and Big 12 player of the year Jaden Bradley, the Wildcats recorded wins over 12 top-25 teams during the season.
He has continued his excellent play in the NCAA Tournament. Posting dominant wins in every round, including a devastating 109-88 win over Final Four dark horse Arkansas.
