Iowa Stuns Nebraska in March Madness Thriller!

Iowa Stuns Nebraska in March Madness Thriller!

The March Madness magic is alive and well! The Iowa Hawkeyes are heading to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1987 after a nail-biting victory over Nebraska on Thursday night. This win marks a huge moment for the program and has fans buzzing with excitement.

Hawkeyes’ Historic Win

The Iowa Hawkeyes pulled off a massive win, described by one commentator as potentially the biggest Iowa basketball win of their lifetime. This victory is especially significant because Nebraska had never reached this stage before, and Iowa hadn’t been back to the Elite Eight since 1987. The win has sparked huge celebrations across the state, with videos showing fans erupting with joy.

The opportunity to be able to watch them go another week, another game, it’s the best. I’m loving it.

Coach McCollum’s Intensity

Iowa’s head coach, Ben McCollum, is quickly becoming a fan favorite, not just for the team’s success but also for his passionate coaching style. During the game against Nebraska, McCollum was seen intensely coaching his players, even appearing to tell them they were “sleepwalking.” He explained that this isn’t for show; it’s his consistent approach to building relationships with his players. He believes that to coach them hard, you first need to have their respect and likeability. This honest, intense style seems to be working wonders for the Hawkeyes.

McCollum also shared a funny moment from the game where his team accidentally put only four players on the court during a play. He admitted he didn’t even notice at first, thinking he had drawn up a brilliant play because a player was so open. His staff later informed him of the mistake, which, surprisingly, helped them pull away from Nebraska. “Well, it’s a heck of a deal for us,” McCollum said with a laugh.

Looking Ahead: The Elite Eight

With this historic win, the Iowa Hawkeyes are now focused on the next challenge: the Elite Eight. Coach McCollum’s message to his team is simple: “We’re on to the next.” He emphasizes that the memories made throughout the season are what truly matter, not just the big wins. The team is preparing to face their next opponent, with scouting and preparation already underway.

Other March Madness Highlights

The Sweet Sixteen round has delivered plenty of excitement. Arizona and Purdue are continuing their strong runs, with Arizona potentially being considered one of the best teams ever. Meanwhile, the Purdue vs. Texas and Iowa vs. Nebraska games were thrilling, down-to-the-wire contests. Other matchups include St. John’s vs. Duke, Alabama vs. Michigan, Michigan State vs. UConn, and Tennessee vs. Iowa State.

The betting world has also seen its share of drama. While favorites dominated the spread in the first weekend of the tournament, the Sweet Sixteen saw underdogs perform well. Tonight’s games feature St. John’s, Alabama, Michigan State, and Tennessee as potential underdogs, with Michigan facing the largest spread of the weekend.

‘Oh No!’ Moments of the Week

In addition to the thrilling wins, March Madness also brings its share of humorous and embarrassing moments. This week’s “Oh No!” moments included O’Neill Cruz of the Pirates misplaying a ball in the outfield, a catcher taking a painful hit to the groin, a Blackhawks goalie letting in an early goal, a player on Croatia missing an open net in a soccer friendly, and a fan in the stands wearing the wrong team’s jersey. Even sports analysts like Dan Orlovsky weren’t immune to the “Oh No!” treatment, facing lighthearted criticism on social media.

The Iowa Hawkeyes’ journey continues, fueled by passionate coaching and a team determined to make history. Fans are eager to see if they can keep the Cinderella story going and make a run for the Final Four.

Source: The Pat McAfee Show Live | Friday March 27th 2026 (YouTube)