TRUTH: TCU Will UPSET DUKE In March Madness, BYU STUNS Gonzaga Behind AJ Dybantsa Into Sweet Sixteen

As the 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket settles in, the "Big 12 bias" looks like a legitimate competitive edge. While the blue bloods may have the seeds, the path for BYU and TCU to crash the Sweet 16 has never looked clearer. Both programs find themselves in "giant-killer" scenarios where their specific strengths align perfectly against the flaws of tournament titans Gonzaga and Duke.

BYU’s Portland Revenge Tour

Landing as a No. 6 seed in the West, BYU’s second-round collision course with No. 3 Gonzaga is the stuff of West Coast legend. The Cougars already own the mental real estate in this matchup, and the timing couldn't be worse for the Zags. Gonzaga center Braden Huff is officially "doubtful" for the opening weekend with a knee injury, stripping the Bulldogs of their primary interior anchor. Without Huff to protect the rim, AJ Dybantsa—fresh off breaking Kevin Durant’s Big 12 scoring record—is poised to treat the Portland hardwood like his personal playground. BYU’s top-10 offensive efficiency against a thinned-out Gonzaga frontcourt is the ultimate recipe for a Saturday shocker.

TCU’s Physical Masterclass vs. Duke

In the East Region, No. 9 seed TCU has the physical profile that traditionally haunts No. 1 overall seed Duke. While the Blue Devils boast National Player of the Year favorite Cameron Boozer, they are limping into the dance with significant injury questions surrounding point guard Caleb Foster. TCU’s "Cougar Crush" style of play—relying on high-pressure perimeter defense and elite rebounding—is designed to exploit backcourt instability. If the Horned Frogs can bully Duke’s young guards and turn the game into a low-possession street fight, the Blue Devils' historically thin bench could buckle under the pressure of the tournament's top overall seed.

The Big 12 didn't just get eight teams in; they got teams with the specific DNA to dismantle the bracket. Don't be surprised when the "chalk" breaks in Portland and Washington D.C.

Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub  

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY
Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you. 

TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

Wayfair
Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.
Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. 
Wayfair. Every style. Every home. 

SupplyHouse
Visit https://SupplyHouse.com/tm to learn more about becoming a Trade Master.
Use promo code S-H Five College for 5% off your first order at https://supplyhouse.com. 
SupplyHouse. Real people. Real service.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast
 

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.