The 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament has reached the Sweet 16, with only 16 teams remaining in the chase for a national championship. After a week of dramatic upsets and close finishes, Thursday’s games will determine the first four teams advancing to the Elite Eight. The action will take place in San Jose, California, and Houston, Texas, as four matchups feature rising stars, surprising runs, and programs looking to take another step toward the Final Four in Indianapolis.
NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Schedule and How to Watch Thursday
Thursday’s Sweet 16 action features four games spread across two locations: the SAP Center in San Jose and the Toyota Center in Houston. Fans can watch the games on CBS and TBS, with streaming available through March Madness Live.
The night begins with a matchup between No. 11 seed Texas and No. 2 seed Purdue at 7:10 p.m. ET in San Jose. The game will air on CBS with Brian Anderson, Jim Jackson, and Allie LaForce on the broadcast team.
Texas has made one of the most surprising runs in the tournament. The Longhorns advanced from the First Four and defeated NC State, BYU, and Gonzaga to reach the Sweet 16.
At 7:30 p.m. ET, No. 9 seed Iowa will face No. 4 seed Nebraska in Houston. The game will air on TBS with Kevin Harlan, Robbie Hummel, Stan Van Gundy, and Lauren Shehadi calling the action.
The evening continues at 9:45 p.m. ET when No. 4 seed Arkansas faces No. 1 seed Arizona in San Jose on CBS.
The final game of the night features No. 3 seed Illinois taking on No. 2 seed Houston at 10:05 p.m. ET in Houston on TBS.
Arkansas vs. Arizona Features Freshman Star Power
One of the most anticipated matchups of the night will take place between Arkansas and Arizona. The game marks the first time in Sweet 16 history that the top two scorers on both teams are freshmen.
Arkansas is led by freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. and fellow freshman Meleek Thomas. Acuff enters the Sweet 16 after scoring 60 total points in Arkansas’ first two tournament wins over Hawaii and High Point.
The performance set a record for the most points scored by a freshman in the first two NCAA Tournament games, surpassing the previous mark of 57 points shared by Kevin Durant, Zion Williamson, and Cam Thomas.
Arizona counters with its own freshman duo of Brayden Burries and Koa Peat. The two combined for 30 points during Arizona’s second-round victory over Utah State.
The matchup features four of the most promising young players in college basketball and could become one of the most talked-about games of the tournament.
Iowa vs. Nebraska Sweet 16 Matchup Surprises Many
The Iowa–Nebraska game stands out as one of the most unexpected Sweet 16 matchups of the tournament.
Nebraska entered the tournament without a single NCAA Tournament victory in program history. The Cornhuskers ended that streak by defeating Troy in the first round and then followed it with a win over Vanderbilt.
Nebraska’s victory over Vanderbilt sent the program to its first Sweet 16 appearance.
Iowa also produced a notable upset to reach the second weekend. The Hawkeyes defeated defending national champion Florida in the second round after Alvaro Folgueiras made a go-ahead three-pointer with 4.5 seconds remaining.
The game will mark the third meeting between the Big Ten teams this season, with each team winning once during the regular season.
Houston vs. Illinois Headlines the Night
The final game of the evening features one of the strongest matchups remaining in the tournament when Houston faces Illinois.
Both teams feature deep rosters and standout freshmen expected to play at the next level.
Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler and Houston freshman Kingston Flemings are both projected to be top-10 selections in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Houston enters the game seeking redemption after losing the 2025 national championship game to Florida on the final possession.
The Cougars also have the advantage of playing in their home city, as Rice University is the official host of the regional in Houston.
Illinois is attempting to reach its first Final Four since 2005.
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