2026 NCAA Tournament Optimal Bracket Simulation: Model on epic run reveals picks, predictions
In this bracket, the team that wins in more than 50% of computer simulations is picked to advance each round. Our optimal bracket beat more than 91% of CBS Sports Bracket Challenge players four of the last seven tournaments!
Our model simulated the entire 2026 NCAA Tournament 10,000 times, just like in the bracket above. It has absolutely crushed its March Madness picks recently, beating over 91 percent of all CBS Sports brackets in four of the past seven tournaments. It was all over UConn's championship run two years ago and nailed 12 teams in the Sweet 16 last year. It also correctly predicted all four Final Four teams in 2025.
It knows how to spot an upset as well. The same model has produced brackets that have nailed 25 first-round upsets by double-digit seeds since its inception in 2016.
Get every pick, every play, every upset and fill out the rest of your bracket with our help! ... Join SportsLine now to see which teams will make and break your bracket, and see who cuts down the nets, all from the model that beat over 91% of CBS Sports brackets players four of the last seven tournaments!
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