AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars runs across the court during the first half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena on January 17, 2026 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)

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Tyler Erzberger

By Tyler Erzberger

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Selection Sunday is upon us, and the most chaotic, exciting, and drama-filled tournament of the year is about to begin: March Madness.

The men's Division I basketball tournament always welcomes heroes, villains, and a whole slew of new characters to the national stage, as a kid with 500 social media followers today could become a household name by the end of the month.

Want to fill your March Madness bracket and not pick all No. 1 or No. 2 seeds as your Final Four?

Read More on NCAA

Don't worry, we have got you covered.

Here are five sneaky championship contenders who, if you ride with, might help you win your bracket pool this year.

More news: March Madness Bubble Watch: Last 4 In, First 4 Out Before Selection Sunday

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 09: Graham Ike #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs talks with a referee during a stop in play in the second half of the championship game of the West Coast Conference men's basketball tournament against the Santa Clara Broncos at the Orleans Arena on March 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs defeated the Broncos 79-68. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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More news: Jaw-Dropping Stat Emerges for Miami (OH) After Loss Before March Madness

Gonzaga Bulldogs (30-3)

Although Gonzaga is always in the mix of being a team that can win it all, they're not heading into the tournament as one of the odds-on favorites to win. Right now seen as a three or a four-seed, the Bulldogs' top 10 defense gives them a strong chance of making it deep.

Arkansas Razorbacks (24-8)

If you want to live dangerously, the Razorbacks can score with any team in the nation behind freshman superstar Darius Acuff Jr. The SEC player of the year could be a top-five pick in the upcoming stacked NBA Draft, and though their defense isn't elite, it's good enough to give them a chance against some of the top-seeded squads.

PROVO, UTAH - FEBRUARY 14: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the Brigham Young Cougars reacts after a teammate scored in the second half of a game against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Marriott Center on February 14, 2026 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

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BYU Cougars (23-11)

This all depends on how much you believe in AJ Dybantsa. Like Acuff, he's one of the premier scorers in the country, but has an even higher ceiling than the Razorback. Dybansta can drop 40-plus points on anyone in the country, but is that enough to carry an inconsistent Cougars team far?

Virginia Cavaliers (29-4)

Out of all my picks so far, Virginia might be my favorite. They're projected to be a No. 4 seed, but the Cavaliers have a great balance of offense and defense. Unlike BYU, which prides itself on its elite offense, or Gonzaga, which prides itself on its elite defense, Virginia is top 30 (per KenPom) in both categories.

Vanderbilt Commodores (26-7)

The final team, Vanderbilt, is very similar to Virginia. The advanced analytics love them, and they have a balanced squad with an elite offense along with a solid, upper-echelon defense. The guard combo of Tyler Tanner and Duke Miles is one of the best in the tournament, and if they get going, a Final Four (or a title game) isn't out of the question.

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