NIT 2026 Updated Format, Latest Bracketology Predictions for Men's Tourney

The NIT is viewed as the best non-NCAA tournament postseason event in men's college basketball.

In recent years, mid-major teams have triumphed in the 32-team event. Chattanooga is the reigning champion and North Texas captured the crown in 2023.

The Big East has had two winners in the last four years as well with Seton Hall and Xavier. The Big East will send at least one team to the 2026 NIT based on the format.

Some of the top mid-major programs should be invited as well since there have already been a handful of upsets across conference tournaments.

NIT Format

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The NIT is once again a 32-team tournament.

Eight teams will be placed into four brackets and the first three rounds take place on campus sites. The highest seed in each matchup typically hosts.

The four region winners will head to Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for the NIT Final Four.

The NIT semifinals will take place on April 2, while the championship game is scheduled for March 5.

Bracketology

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Each of the top 12 conferences in the nation will receive one exempt bid to the NIT.

As of Thursday, the WCC, Big West and WAC were among the mid-major leagues in the top 12, per the NIT.

Typically, the No. 1 seeds in mid-major conference tournaments that lose get invites to the NIT as well.

That collection of teams is quite large in 2026 with Belmont, Navy, UNC Wilmington and Portland State among the notable teams.

The "First Four Out" from the NCAA tournament typically get involved in the NIT as well.

ESPN's Joe Lunardi listed Indiana, New Mexico, Stanford and San Diego State on his "First Four Out" line in his latest bracket update.