As the anticipation builds for the 2026 NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament, bracketology is in full swing. The selection show is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday on ESPNU, but analysts are already offering their predictions for the 16-team field. Understanding these projections, and the factors influencing them, provides insight into which teams are poised for a deep run in the tournament.
One projection, from the Grand Forks Herald, outlines a potential bracket based on current standings and committee considerations. The NCAA committee faces a delicate balance between honoring seedings and minimizing travel costs, particularly for teams like the University of North Dakota (UND). This balancing act could significantly impact first-round matchups.
According to the Herald’s projection, the tournament could unfold as follows:
- Albany Regional: 1 Michigan vs. 16 Bentley, 7 Providence vs. 11 Cornell
- Sioux Falls Regional: 2 North Dakota vs. 15 Merrimack, 8 Minnesota Duluth vs. 10 Quinnipiac
- Worcester Regional: 3 Michigan State vs. 14 UConn, 6 Dartmouth vs. 9 Penn State
- Loveland Regional: 4 Western Michigan vs. 13 Minnesota State, 5 Denver vs. 12 Wisconsin
The potential first-round matchup for UND is particularly interesting. The committee will weigh the importance of maintaining seeding integrity against the logistical benefits of keeping teams closer to home. If the committee prioritizes seeding, UND would face Merrimack. However, if travel costs are a major concern, a regional matchup against Minnesota State becomes more likely. Historically, the committee has leaned towards upholding seeding, but the proximity of Minnesota State could present a compelling case for a localized matchup.
The Herald notes that if Minnesota State had finished with a No. 14 overall seed, the committee might have been more inclined to alter the seeding. However, with Minnesota State at No. 13 and Merrimack at No. 15 making such a significant adjustment seems less probable. Merrimack finished at No. 19 in the NPI, further supporting the likelihood of adhering to the established seeding.
Other projections from outlets like College Hockey News, USCHO, the Duluth News Tribune, the Star Tribune, and College Puck NXT offer varying perspectives on the bracket. These differing projections highlight the inherent uncertainty in predicting the committee’s decisions. While the Herald’s projection provides a detailed look at potential matchups, it’s important to remember that the official bracket will not be revealed until Sunday’s selection show.
Michigan State recently secured a decisive victory over North Dakota State, defeating them 92-67 in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Carson Cooper led the Spartans with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Jaxon Kohler added 12 points and nine rebounds. The Spartans advanced to play Louisville in the second round on Saturday. ESPN has a full recap of the game.
The NCAA tournament selection committee will announce the full bracket at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 22, 2026, on ESPNU. Fans can follow the selection show to see which teams will compete for the national championship.
As teams await their fate, the focus shifts to the selection show and the opportunities that lie ahead. The coming days will reveal which programs have earned a chance to compete for the coveted NCAA Men’s Hockey Championship. Stay tuned for updates as the tournament unfolds.
What are your predictions for the NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament bracket? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
