Final Four 2026 Schedule: Tip Times, TV Channels, and How to Watch UConn, Illinois, Arizona, and Michigan Today

The Final Four of the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament tips off later tonight and if the women's Final Four was any indication, there could be fireworks in store.

On Friday night UConn head coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley engaged in a postgame standoff after the Gamecocks' 62-48 victory.

Fellow Huskies head coach Dan Hurley is something of a hot head himself, as evidenced when he brushed his forehead against that of an official after Braylon Mullins hit a game-winning three-pointer against Duke to sent UConn to the Final Four.

What Time Does the Final Four Start?

There are two Final Four contests in store with UConn and Illinois getting the party started before the only remaining No. 1 seeds do battle in the final game of the night as Michigan and Arizona take center stage.

The Huskies and Fighting Illini tip off at 6:09 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, the night game between the Wolverines and Wildcats is tentatively set for 8:49 p.m. ET, but could be pushed back if UConn and Illinois go into overtime.

What Channel Is the Final Four On?

As the Final Four gets set for tip, there are plenty of options for fans to watch the game - those that aren't at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis, IN won't be left out.

Both Final Four games can be found on TBS and truTV.

How Do I Stream the Final Four?

In addition to watching the game on TBS and truTV, the Final Four contests can also be streamed in a number of locations.

HBO Max, which has been the home of games all tournament long, will be streaming the Final Four. Fans can also find the games on NCAA March Madness Live and Sling TV.

What Are the Final Four Matchups?

The first game of the day features one of the best defensive teams in the country against one of the best offenses in the country. UConn allows just 65.2 points per game, good for 11th in the nation. Illinois' offenses averages 83.8 points per game, which puts the Fighting Illini top 25 in the nation.

In the second game of the night, though, is a true offensive showdown. Michigan sits at No. 8 in the country with 87.7 points per game while Arizona is No. 12 with 86.5 points per game. The Wildcats boast a slightly better defense with 68.8 points per game allowed while the Wolverines a close behind at 69.6 points per game.

Who Should You Root for in the Final Four?

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood is in his first Final Four, while his counterpart on the court is seeking his third national title in the last four years. Dan Hurley led UConn to back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024 before an early exit in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Meanwhile, Michigan head coach Dusty May is in his second Final Four appearance, but first with the Wolverines after taking FAU on a Cinderella run to the Final Four in 2023. Wildcats coach Tommy Lloyd, a longtime assistant coach at Gonzaga, is in his first Final Four after taking Arizona to the Sweet 16 in three of the four previous years.

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