Kennesaw State Owls men鈥檚 basketball is set to open the 2026 NCAA Tournament as a #14 seed, facing off against #3 seed Gonzaga on Thursday night at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. This is KSU's second appearance in March Madness, following a historic run to win the Conference USA title. The matchup features two conference champions, with Gonzaga coming off a West Coast Conference victory. KSU's unique starting lineup consists solely of underclassmen, making them one of only three teams in the tournament without seniors or transfer players among starters.

By the Numbers
  • Kennesaw State holds a 21-13 record for the season.
  • Gonzaga comes in with a 30-3 record.
Yes, But

While KSU has had a remarkable season, they face a formidable Gonzaga team with a strong tournament history. Gonzaga's experience in high-stakes games and deep tournament runs might challenge KSU's young lineup.

State of Play
  • KSU is entering the NCAA Tournament after making history in the CUSA tournament.
  • The game is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted on TBS.
What's Next

If Kennesaw State can pull off an upset against Gonzaga, they would advance to the second round, increasing their chances to build on their momentum and showcase their talent on a national stage.

Bottom Line

Kennesaw State has the potential to make waves in this year's tournament, but overcoming Gonzaga's experience will be crucial. The Owls' youthful energy and championship momentum could be key factors in determining their success.