NIT 2026 Updated Bracket, Schedule and Predictions Heading into Men's Semifinals

The Auburn Tigers went from one of the first teams out of the NCAA tournament to the favorite to win the 2026 NIT.

The Tigers are the lone power-conference team headed to Indianapolis for the NIT semifinals.

Auburn is one of three No. 1 seeds that won three straight games at home to clinch a spot in the NIT Final Four.

The Illinois State Redbirds, who face Auburn in the semifinals, are the only non-No.1 seed left in the field.

Auburn vs. Illinois State

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April 2, 9:30 p.m. ET

Auburn took the NIT seriously and landed a spot in Indianapolis.

The Tigers could've given up on the season after their failed push to make the NCAA tournament, but they rallied and won three games at home.

Auburn scored at least 75 points in each of its three NIT contests, all of which came against mid-major schools.

Steven Pearl's team will once again have the advantage on pure talent alone against Illinois State.

Illinois State is a formidable opponent. After all, the Redbirds won on the road at Wake Forest and Dayton in the last two rounds.

The Missouri Valley Conference team can win through its defense. It held Dayton to 55 points in the quarterfinals and ranks in the top 100 in most notable defensive categories on KenPom.

Scoring isn't an issue for Illinois State, either, as it put up 79 against Kent State and 78 versus Wake Forest.

Auburn can win the game with its superior athletes, but if Illinois State holds the Tigers under 65 points, there will be a stronger chance of an upset.

Prediction: Auburn over Illinois State

New Mexico vs. Tulsa

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April 2, 7 p.m. ET

The New Mexico Lobos were the most dominant team in the first three rounds of the NIT.

The Lobos won each of their three games by double figures and they posted at least 84 points in those contests.

New Mexico is not just the favorite to beat Tulsa in the semifinals, but it should also be considered a serious threat to Auburn to win the NIT.

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane had an efficient first three rounds as well on offense with at least 77 points in their three games.

Tulsa ranks fifth in three-point offense and 16th in free-throw shooting on KenPom. If it lives up to those numbers, it has a strong chance of its own to win at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

At minimum, we should expect a ton of points between the pair of mid-major foes given how efficient they've been so far in the tournament.

Prediction: New Mexico over Tulsa