The West Virginia Mountaineers already knew entering Selection Sunday that they'd be hosting during opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament. Now, they have a better idea of their path as the bracket has been revealed – and it leaves plenty of room for thrills and for challenges.
Bracket for opening weekend of NCAA Tournament in Morgantown revealed
Things will get kicked off with West Virginia, who earned a No. 4 seed, playing their first home game in the NCAA Tournament in 34 years as they host the MAC champion and No. 13 seed Miami (OH) Redhawks in the first round. Miami (OH) won 24 of their last 27 games after starting 4-3.
If the Mountaineers advance, it sets up a potential clash with a familiar regional rival in No. 5 seed Kentucky, who is set to face No. 12 James Madison in the other opening round match-up in Morgantown. All four teams are within relatively close driving distance of Morgantown, meaning fans of other programs can travel and contribute to an electric environment at Hope Coliseum. The two opening round games are set for Saturday, March 21.
First and Second Round action at the Hope Coliseum is set ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/fhYapNykx8
— WVU Women's Basketball (@WVUWBB) March 16, 2026
If WVU advances to Sweet 16, a tall task awaits
If they make it out of Morgantown alive, the Mountaineers will be travelling to Fort Worth, Texas for the Sweet 16. The No. 1 seed awaiting them, barring an opening weekend upset? The Texas Longhorns, who are 31-3 and coming off a Final Four run last year. If they want to make it back, they won't have to leave their home state.
On the other end of the bracket, the Mountaineers could see No. 2 seed Michigan and No. 3 seed Louisville will likely await whoever escapes the Sweet 16. The winner faces whoever emerges from the Sacramento Regional 2, where UCLA is the No. 1 seed and LSU is the No. 2 seed.