Iowa State is moving on to the Sweet 16 for the third time in the last five years under head coach TJ Otzelberger. The Cyclones (29-7) will take on the Tennessee Volunteers (24-11) in Chicago, Illinois, with a trip to the Elite 8 on the line. The Cyclones are seeking their first Elite 8 appearance since the 1999-2000 season.
Tennessee Volunteers (6‑seed)
Tennessee enters the Sweet 16 as a disciplined, physical SEC team that defends at a high level and leans heavily on its veteran backcourt just like most Rick Barnes-coached teams do. The Vols finished 24–11 and held opponents to 69.1 points per game. Their offense is steady rather than explosive, but they rarely beat themselves. Tennessee shoots 46.3% from the field and has multiple players capable of initiating offense late in the clock. The Volunteers’ biggest strength is their size and strength in the front court. They are the No. 1 team in the country in offensive rebound percentage per KenPom.
Tennessee is led by guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who drives nearly everything they do offensively with 18.4 points, 5.6 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, giving the Vols a true two‑way tone‑setter. Alongside him, is future NBA lottery pick Nate Ament, who provides versatile scoring at 16.9 points and 6.4 rebounds and is capable of attacking mismatches and stretching defenses with his 6-foot-10 frame.
In the frontcourt, J.P. Estrella adds efficient interior scoring at 61.9% from the field while contributing 10.2 points and 5.4 rebounds, and Felix Okpara anchors the defense with 6.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, giving Tennessee a reliable rim protector and physical presence inside.
Keep an eye on sophomore guard Bishop Boswell. The 6-foot-4, 204-pound guard is the key to this Volunteer team. He averages 6.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game and when he is assertive and playing with confidence, this changes the ceiling for this Tennessee team. Boswell scored 13 points and dished out nine assists in their Round of 32 win over Virginia.
Michigan Wolverines (1‑seed)
Michigan has been one of the most complete teams in the country all season, finishing 33–3, winning the Big Ten, and ranking among the nation’s best in both offensive and defensive efficiency. The Wolverines average 86.8 points per game, shoot 50.5% from the field, and overwhelm opponents with size and depth. They have multiple NBA‑level talents in the front and back court. Michigan’s statistical profile is that of a true title contender: elite shooting, good rebounding, and a defense that holds opponents under 70 points per game.
Michigan’s offense runs through forward Yaxel Lendeborg. He’s a strong, skilled scorer who averages 14.7 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting 36.1% from three, making him a matchup problem for most defenses. He’s paired with Morez Johnson Jr., who is one of the most efficient interior players in the country at 63.6% from the field, contributing 13.4 points and 7.3 rebounds.
7-foot-3 center Aday Mara adds another layer of dominance inside, averaging 12.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks, giving Michigan elite rim protection. At the point, Elliot Cadeau runs everything with 10.1 points, 5.7 assists making the Wolverines’ offense one of the most fluid in the nation.
Alabama Crimson Tide (4‑seed)
Alabama plays one of the fastest and most aggressive offensive styles in the nation, averaging 91.6 points per game — the No. 3 scoring offense in college basketball. They shoot a high volume of threes, push tempo relentlessly, and rely on dynamic guard play to hide their deficiencies in the frontcourt.
Defensively, Alabama is far more volatile, allowing 82.5 points per game, but their offensive ceiling is so high that they can overwhelm even elite defenses when they make shots. Their rotation features multiple high‑level scorers, including one of the best guards in the country.
Alabama is powered by star guard Labaron Philon Jr., who averages 21.6 points and 5.0 assists while shooting nearly 40% from three, making him one of the most dangerous scorers in the NCAA Tournament. Veteran guard Latrell Wrightsell contributes 13.1 points and consistent perimeter spacing at 36.7% from three, while forward Amari Allen provides balance with 11.6 points and 7.0 rebounds, serving as Alabama’s most reliable interior presence and transition finisher.
