Sports
Clemson and Iowa to Clash in 2026 NCAA Tournament First Round
Clemson and Iowa will face off in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Both teams secured at-large bids after solid seasons in their respective conferences.
The 2026 NCAA Tournament's Round of 64 will feature a matchup between the Clemson Tigers and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Clemson, with a 24-10 record (12-6 in the Atlantic Coast Conference), earned an at-large bid as the number eight seed. Iowa, finishing 21-12 overall (10-10 in the Big Ten Conference), also received an at-large bid and a number nine seed. The winner will advance deeper into the tournament. The Hawkeyes are back in the NCAA tournament after finishing second in the Big Ten with a 15-3 record, according to head coach Jan Jensen. Iowa will face 15th seed Fairleigh Dickinson in a Sacramento Regional 4 first-round game on Saturday.
Key Facts
- Clemson finished the season 24-10 overall and 12-6 in the ACC.
- Iowa completed the season with a 21-12 record and 10-10 in the Big Ten.
- Clemson secured an at-large bid as the number eight seed.
- Iowa received an at-large bid and a number nine seed.
- The game is part of the Round of 64 in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
- The tournament promises excitement and potential upsets.
- Iowa will face Fairleigh Dickinson in a first-round game.
- Seventh seed Georgia will play 10th seed Virginia in another first-round game.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- The Big Lead — How to live stream Iowa vs Clemson: March Madness, NCAA Tournament, TV channel
- Winnipeg Free Press — Iowa back in a familiar spot - at home for the NCAA women's March Madness