This wasn’t supposed to be Iowa and Nebraska, but when it comes to how much fun this will be, you’ll be happy it is.
Iowa doesn’t get to Sweet 16s. It hasn’t been to one since 1999, and it hasn’t been to an Elite Eight since 1987.
Nebraska doesn’t get to Sweet 16s. It doesn’t win NCAA Tournament games, and it made up for lost time with its first two victories.
But they’re here, No. 1 South seed Florida isn’t, and now the winner gets Illinois or Houston with a shot at the Final Four.
We saw these two meet twice this season, with Nebraska winning a blast of an 84-75 overtime game in early March, but Iowa won 57-52 in mid-February.
It might be familiar, and it might be unexpected, but with these two teams and fan bases, get ready for one of the most energized games of the tournament.
Iowa vs Nebraska Game Preview: High Energy, Low Scoring
Iowa vs Nebraska How To Watch
Date: Thursday, March 26
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Time: To Be Determined
TV: To Be Determined
Streaming: March Madness Live App, Paramount+, HBO Max
Teams: (4) Nebraska 28-6, (9) Iowa 23-12
Football Series History: Nebraska leads 26-19-1
Iowa won the last meeting 40-16 last season.
NCAA Tournament So Far
– Nebraska: 1st Round Troy 76-47, 2nd Round Vanderbilt 74-72
– Iowa: 1st Round Clemson 67-61, 2nd Round Florida 73-72
– CFN NCAA Tournament Schedule, Previews
Key Stats
– Nebraska hit 56% from the floor against Vanderbilt, and held the Commodores to 35%.
– Iowa made 51% of its shots against Florida – the Gators made half of theirs.
Why Iowa Will Win: If the Hawkeyes Could Punt, They Would
Iowa football has become famous for its ultra-conservative style. Run, clock management, field position, punt, win 6-3. The hoops side has followed suit.
How do you beat a team with all of Florida’s firepower?
You slow the game down to a dead stop when you can – there were only 16 combined fastbreak points in the 73-72 Hawkeye thriller – and you play the best rebounding team in the country almost even on the boards.
The stats are misleading. Iowa doesn’t come up with bulk rebounds – there aren’t enough shots taken – but it manages to come up large when it gets the chance.
The Hawkeyes were +10 in rebounding margin in the win over the Huskers, and +3 in the loss.
Why Nebraska Will Win: Make Baskets
Nebraska is all about shooting percentage. It sets itself up for clean looks, and it was the difference against Vanderbilt, making 56% from the field.
When it made 50% of its shots against Iowa – including 37% from three – it won. When it made 41% overall and 21% from three, it lost.
The Hawkeye defense allows way too many made baskets, going 4-9 when opponents hit 49% or better.
Iowa vs Nebraska Prediction, Betting Lines
Sorry for all of the percentages and numbers – that’s too wonky for a game that will be about the crowd, emotion, and a blast of an atmosphere.
Every possession will be gold. Iowa doesn’t let teams get comfortable, but like the football side, it has the style that keeps both teams in the game.
It’ll be a clean game with few mistakes, almost no fastbreak points, and the tension building throughout.
Free throws will matter, and being calm in the clutch will be everything.
Iowa knows how to handle itself, but Nebraska will get the one extra shot and two more free throws to keep the magic going.
Prediction: Nebraska 68, Iowa 65
Consensus Line: Nebraska -2.5, o/u: 134.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Related: Texas vs Purdue Prediction and Preview: NCAA Tournament Sweet 16
This story was originally published by College Football News on Mar 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add College Football News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.