[Editor’s note: Welcome to Athlon Sports’ poll of the day, where we ask readers to weigh in on the biggest topic of the day. Thanks for voting, and be sure to sound off in the comment section.]
After ninth-seeded Iowa upset Nebraska in the Sweet 16 Thursday night, the Hawkeyes are now the lowest seed still alive in the 2026 men’s NCAA Tournament. Yes, they benefitted from Nebraska having just four players on the court at a crucial moment in the game, but the bottom line is that Iowa is in the Elite Eight for the first time since 1987.
After defeating Nebraska, Iowa gets to face another familiar Big Ten foe on Saturday, when they play No. 3 seed Illinois (TBS, 6:09 p.m. ET tipoff). Illinois advanced Thursday night by defeating No. 2 seed Houston.
It’s weird calling a major college program such as Iowa a “Cinderella,” but that’s what the Hawkeyes are right now. So here’s our question for you ...
And if you don’t think Iowa wins it all, tell us in the comments who you think will. Thanks for voting. Be sure to make your voice heard and sound off in the comments section.
