NCAA Men's Tournament Bracket Picks — What the Experts Are Saying

NCAA Men's Tournament Bracket Picks: Expert Predictions and Analysis

March Madness is upon us once again, and FOX Sports analysts Casey Jacobsen and Michael Cohen have unveiled their complete bracket predictions for the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. As millions of fans across the country fill out their own brackets, the two experts have offered their insights and analysis to help guide viewers through what promises to be another thrilling tournament. Both analysts bring years of experience covering college basketball, making their selections among the most anticipated picks of the season.

Jacobsen, a former Stanford standout and seasoned basketball analyst, broke down his bracket selections by examining key matchups, team strengths, and potential Cinderella stories that could shake up the field. He emphasized the importance of looking beyond regular-season records and focusing on factors such as tournament experience, defensive efficiency, and late-season momentum. Jacobsen highlighted several lower-seeded teams that he believes have the talent and coaching to pull off significant upsets in the early rounds, while also identifying the top contenders he expects to make deep runs into the Final Four.

Cohen, known for his detailed statistical analysis and in-depth knowledge of college basketball programs nationwide, took a complementary but distinct approach to his bracket predictions. His selections factored in advanced metrics, strength of schedule, and how teams have performed in high-pressure situations throughout the season. Cohen noted that this year's tournament field features remarkable depth and parity, making it one of the more challenging years to predict outcomes with confidence. He pointed to several intriguing second-round matchups that could serve as de facto Elite Eight-caliber games.

While Jacobsen and Cohen agreed on several key picks, their brackets diverged in notable ways, particularly in the later rounds. The differences in their Final Four selections and championship game predictions reflect the unpredictable nature of March Madness, where upsets and buzzer-beaters can derail even the most carefully constructed brackets. Fans looking for guidance can watch the full bracket breakdowns on FOX Sports, where both analysts provide round-by-round explanations for their picks as the tournament tips off.