650915989 18587252227032520 8546032380409046142 N — Alabama coach Nate Oats (University of Alabama Athletics)

The always anticipated Selection show is officially in the books as two teams from our state found out their first round opponents for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Despite losing its opening game in the SEC Tournament, Alabama earned a 4 seed in the Midwest Region and will take on 13-seed Hofstra in the first round. The game will be played in Tampa on Friday with tip-off time to be announced.

Meanwhile, Troy is making its second straight appearance as the Sun Belt champions. The Trojans will be the 13 seed in the South Region, taking on 4 seed Nebraska.

Keep reading to check out the full bracket + learn more about both teams’ tournament trips.

2026 Men’s March Madness

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Duke earned the No. 1 overall seed after winning its second straight ACC Tournament. Arizona, Michigan and defending champion Florida earned the other top seeds.

Alabama was one of 10 SEC teams to make the tournament this year, tied for the most of any conference with the Big Ten. The other conference teams in the big dance include:

Florida (1)
Arkansas (4)
Alabama (4)
Vanderbilt (5)
Tennessee (6)
Kentucky (7)
Georgia (8)
Texas A&M (10)
Missouri (10)
Texas (11)

Oklahoma and Auburn were the first two teams left out of the tournament.

Find a printable bracket on the NCAA website.

No. 4 Alabama vs. No. 13 Hofstra

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This is the sixth straight season the Crimson Tide has earned a top six seed and the fourth straight as a top four seed. The team’s sixth straight tournament appearance matches a program record.

The last time Alabama was a No. 4 seed, the team made a trip to the Final Four. In three previous tournaments as a No. 4 seed, the Tide has a 7-3 record.

Under coach Nate Oats, Alabama has an 11-5 record in the tournament including back-to-back Elite 8 appearances for the first time ever.

Here’s what you need to know before the first-round matchup:

Who: No. 13 Hofstra Pride vs. No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide
When: Friday, March 20 | TBA
Where: Benchmark International Arena | Tampa, FL
Watch: TBA

Hofstra is making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2001. The Pride is currently riding a seven-game winning streak.

This will be the first ever meeting between the two teams.

The winner will advance to Sunday to play the winner of the Texas Tech-Akron game with a spot in the Sweet 16 on the line.

No. 13 Troy vs. No. 4 Nebraska

The Trojans are making their second straight NCAA Tournament appearance + fourth in program history. But they are still looking for their first ever win.

This is the highest seed the Trojans have ever gotten in the tournament. Troy’s previous tournament games include: