Today we dive deep into the Big 12 teams in the NCAA Tournament, breaking down every bracket draw and predicting how far each team can go. We grade each Big 12 team's path, analyze potential March Madness matchups, and explain what it will take for each squad to survive and advance.

Which Big 12 teams have the easiest path? Who got the toughest draw? And which teams have a realistic shot at the Final Four or a national championship run?

In this episode, we cover:

• Full Big 12 NCAA Tournament bracket breakdown

• Draw grades for every Big 12 team

• Key matchups and upset alerts

• Paths to the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and Final Four

• Our March Madness predictions

If you're filling out your March Madness bracket or want expert insight into the Big 12's tournament chances, this episode has you covered.

The Big 12 Tournament is here, and we break down the full bracket, make our predictions, and talk about who will cut down the nets in Kansas City. With the 16-team format and a loaded conference featuring national contenders, this year's tournament could have huge implications for March Madness seeding.

We also dive into the national story shaking college athletics right now, as the President meets with NCAA leaders, conference commissioners, and lawmakers to discuss possible federal action on NIL, athlete compensation, and the future of college sports. Reports suggest new legislation and even executive action could be coming as leaders try to bring stability to a system many believe is out of control.

From Big 12 basketball to the future of the NCAA, we cover everything you need to know on this episode of First & 16.

The 2026 Big 12 Tournament runs March 10–14 in Kansas City, with all 16 teams competing and the winner earning the automatic NCAA Tournament bid.
Meanwhile, national leaders are discussing federal rules for NIL and college athletics, with proposals that could give the NCAA antitrust protection and create one national system for player compensation.