The Akron Zips men’s basketball team again punched their ticket to March Madness in 2026 by winning the MAC Tournament in dramatic fashion over Toledo.
They’ll be a No. 12 seed in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, set to face off against the No. 5 seed Texas Tech Red Raiders.
So, are the Zips putting Texas Tech on upset watch? The 12-5 matchup tends to be a popular place for March Madness bracket afficionados to select upset choices, but is ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas among those who think the Zips can topple the higher-seeded Red Raiders?
Bilas gave his full predictions for the first round of the 2026 tourney and called the Zips “legit” in his analysis of their first-round matchup. But does he like Akron to pull the upset?
Jay Bilas of ESPN gives March Madness predictions, calls Zips ‘legit’
In his breakdown of the matchup between the Zips and Texas Tech, Bilas praised Akron and noted that, in his mind, they’re as good or better than Miami (Ohio), who had an undefeated season before losing in the MAC Tournament.
“There’s an argument to be made that Akron had a better résumé than Miami (Ohio) — and maybe was even the better team, even though the RedHawks won the one head-to-head meeting,” Bilas wrote. “The Zips are legit, and they’re going to be a tough out. But if Christian Anderson is healthy and can find Donovan Atwell, one of the best shooters in America, for open shots, Texas Tech takes this one.”
Despite the praise for Akron, Bilas still likes the Red Raiders to come away victorious in the Round of 64. The Zips have won three consecutive MAC tournaments, but have yet to secure a win in the Big Dance.
At least according to Bilas’ analysis, it will take at least another year before the Zips win one in March Madness.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Jay Bilas gives March Madness predictions, calls Akron Zips ‘legit’