March Madness is setting the scene, as lower-seeded Power Four programs and mid-major high-achievers tip off this year's First Four on Wednesday — with tickets to the 2026 NCAA women's basketball tournament's 64-team first round on the line.
Big Ten No. 11 seed Nebraska will open the play-in round against Atlantic 10 upstart No. 11 Richmond on Wednesday night before No. 16 seeds Stephen F. Austin and Missouri State fight for a first-round date with No. 1-seed Texas.
"I think this is a group that feels like we have not really maxed out yet," said Nebraska head coach Amy Williams. "So, to have another opportunity to do that on this stage in the NCAA tournament just feels kind of like a new life."
The First Four features two games between the season's lowest-ranked conference champions plus two between the lowest-seeded at-large teams.
Thursday's lineup spotlights No. 16 seeds Samford and Southern U, with No. 10 seeds Arizona State and Virginia closing out the round.
"To be the last team called this year was a little stressful," Sun Devils head coach Molly Miller said about ASU's Selection Sunday experience. "I felt really, really confident. I trusted what we had done would speak volumes throughout the season."
How to watch the 2026 March Madness First Four Games
The First Four will tip off with Nebraska taking on Richmond at 7 PM ET on Wednesday before Missouri State and Stephen F. Austin battle at 9 PM ET.
Thursday will see Southern facing Samford at 7 PM ET, with Virginia taking on Arizona State at 9 PM ET.
All First Four games will air live on ESPN2.
