Expert prediction
NCAA Sweet 16: Iowa vs Nebraska Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 26)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Hawkeyes stunned Florida in the second round.
- The Cornhuskers took down Vanderbilt in the Round of 32.
- This marks the 45th all-time matchup between the two squads.
The Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament gets interesting as the Iowa Hawkeyes duel with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The former comes out as the slight favorite as both Big Ten teams compete for the right to move on to the Elite Eight of March Madness.
How to Watch
- When: Thursday, March 26, 7:30 pm ET
- Where: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
- How to Watch: truTV/TBS
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | -107 | +1.5 | O131.5 |
| Nebraska | -113 | +1.5 | U131.5 |
Game Preview
The Hawkeyes (23-12) make their way to the Sweet 16 of March Madness after dispatching Clemson in the Round of 64 and dethroning Florida in the Round of 32. Tavion Banks finished with a game-high 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting and six rebounds. Alvaro Folgueiras added 14 points and five rebounds, while Bennett Stirtz recorded 13 points, five rebounds, five assists, and a steal. Cooper Koch also scored in double figures with 12 points, connecting on four 3-pointers.
The Cornhuskers (28-6) earned their first-ever wins in the NCAA Tournament, dominating Troy in the first round and taking down Vanderbilt in the second round. The Huskers featured a balanced scoring attack and were led in scoring by Braden Frager and Pryce Sandfort who each finished the game with 15 points. Mast and Berke Buyuktuncel also scored in double figures with 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Iowa vs Nebraska Head-to-Head
The two programs have faced each other 44 times in their respective histories, seeing the Hawkeyes with the 28-16 edge. The last matchup in March this year when Nebraska secured an 84-75 overtime win at home.
Iowa vs Nebraska Predictions
The winner of this matchup will take on the victors between Illinois and Houston in the Elite Eight. Both squads needed game-winning baskets to pull off incredible wins over their previous opponents, seeing Alvaro Folgueiras succeed for Iowa and Braden Frager for Nebraska. More of those clutch moments might come into play once again between these squads that possess balance on both sides of the ball, so may the better offense win. Our betting pick here is the Cornhuskers to defend a 1.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Nebraska Cornhuskers -1.5
NCAAB
More Predictions
NFL Odds, Predictions: Broncos vs. Cardinals Week 7 Preview & Picks (Oct 25)
Cards beat the Rams on the road, which gave them a massive morale boost ahead of this event. Meanwhile, the Broncos are in excellent shape, with 4 wins in 5 weeks. Both teams aim for a triumph in Glendale, yet who will come out on top? Stay tuned with us to see the latest NFL […]
Men’s National Championship: UConn vs Michigan Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 6)
The NCAA Tournament has come down to its last game of the 2025-26 campaign, seeing the Big East’s UConn Huskies duke it out with the Big Ten’s Michigan Wolverines. The latter stands out as the slight favorite, presenting the high stakes that will be actively present in this championship showdown. How to Watch NCAA Matchup […]
NIT Championship: Tulsa vs Auburn Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 5)
The 2026 NIT will come to an end as the Auburn Tigers take on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Sunday night. The former stands out as the slight favorite, meaning that Tulsa will have its work cut out for them throughout the championship showdown. How to Watch NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines Team Odds Spread […]
College Basketball Crown Championship: Oklahoma vs West Virginia Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 5)
The 2026 College Basketball Crown will come to a close when the West Virginia Mountaineers take on the Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners stand out as a slight favorite, paving the way for a great showdown in the championship round. How to Watch NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines Team Odds Spread Totals Oklahoma -115 -3 O137 […]
Women’s National Championship: South Carolina vs UCLA Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 5)
The championship game of the 2026 NCAA Women’s Tournament has arrived as it features a battle between the SEC’s South Carolina Gamecocks and the Big Ten’s UCLA Bruins. The former comes out as the slight favorite as both teams compete for the right to end the campaign as national champions. How to Watch NCAA Matchup […]