NCAA Final 4 Set: UConn Stuns Duke, Joins Illinois, Arizona, Michigan/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ UConn stunned Duke with a last-second shot to reach the Final Four. Illinois, Arizona and Michigan round out the 2026 championship contenders. The tournament reflects a shift toward powerhouse programs dominating March Madness.
Final Four 2026 Quick Looks
- UConn rallies from 19-point deficit
- Game-winning buzzer-beater from Braylon Mullins
- Illinois enters as unlikely underdog
- Arizona and Michigan loaded with NBA talent
- Big Ten seeks first title since 2000
- No major Cinderella teams this year
- Transfer portal reshaping college basketball
- Semifinals set for Indianapolis
Deep Look: UConn Stuns Duke to Set Final Four With Illinois, Arizona and Michigan
The 2026 NCAA Final Four is officially set after UConn delivered one of the most dramatic wins of the tournament, rallying from a 19-point deficit to defeat Duke on a last-second shot and punch its ticket to Indianapolis. The Huskies now join Illinois, Arizona and Michigan in a Final Four loaded with talent, power-conference dominance and championship pedigree.
The game’s defining moment came when Indiana native Braylon Mullins drained a game-winning shot from near midcourt with just 0.4 seconds remaining, completing UConn’s stunning comeback. The victory marks UConn’s third Final Four appearance in the last four years.
The Huskies’ recent history adds to the intrigue. The last two times UConn reached the Final Four, the program went on to win the national championship.
“It’s a UConn culture, a UConn heart,” coach Dan Hurley said after the win. “We believe we’re supposed to win this time of year.”
Illinois Takes On “Underdog” Role
Despite being a major program, Illinois enters the Final Four as the tournament’s closest thing to a Cinderella team. The Illini, a No. 3 seed, are the lowest-seeded team remaining and will face UConn in the semifinal.
Illinois hasn’t reached the Final Four since 2005, when the team lost to North Carolina in the national championship game.
Coach Brad Underwood’s team has quietly built one of the Big Ten’s most successful runs, winning 96 conference games since the 2019-20 season — more than any other Big Ten team.
“I’ve never doubted us getting to a Final Four would happen,” Underwood said. “But I also know how hard it is to do.”
Illinois features a unique roster dubbed the “Balkan Bloc,” including players with Eastern European roots. Guard Keaton Wagler is considered a potential NBA lottery pick, while Andrej Stojakovic — son of former NBA All-Star Peja Stojakovic — adds experience and scoring.
The Illini face a tough challenge against UConn, which features five players averaging double figures, led by standout Tarris Reed Jr.
Arizona vs. Michigan: Heavyweight Showdown
The second semifinal pits two powerhouse programs: Arizona and Michigan.
Arizona, led by standout Brayden Burries, enters as slight championship favorites according to BetMGM odds. Michigan, however, delivered one of the most dominant performances of the Elite Eight, defeating Tennessee 95-62.
The Wildcats and Wolverines showcase different roster-building strategies:
Arizona:
- Four starters developed within program
- Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley
- Strong continuity and experience
Michigan:
- Transfer portal-heavy roster
- Led by Yaxel Lendeborg
- Key contributors from multiple programs
Michigan coach Dusty May previously led Florida Atlantic to a surprise Final Four run before taking over the Wolverines.
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd built his reputation as a longtime assistant at Gonzaga before rebuilding Arizona following Sean Miller’s departure.
No Cinderella This Year
Unlike recent tournaments, the 2026 Final Four lacks traditional underdogs. Power-conference teams dominate, reflecting broader changes in college basketball.
In recent years:
- NIL deals increased player movement
- Transfer portal reshaped rosters
- Conference realignment strengthened major leagues
Only five double-digit seeds won games in this tournament — far fewer than previous years.
Just three years ago, Florida Atlantic and San Diego State reached the Final Four. That type of surprise run has become less common.
Big Ten Title Drought on the Line
Both Illinois and Michigan represent the Big Ten, which hasn’t won a national championship since Michigan State in 2000.
The conference now has two chances to end that drought.
Arizona and UConn, however, bring championship pedigree and high-level talent, setting up a balanced Final Four.
Final Four Matchups
Semifinal Matchups:
- Illinois vs. UConn
- Michigan vs. Arizona
The games will be played in Indianapolis next weekend, with the winners advancing to the national championship game.
With elite talent, dramatic storylines and championship experience across all four teams, the 2026 Final Four promises one of the most competitive finishes in recent tournament history.
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