The bracket is set, the scouting reports are finalized, and the energy across the CIAA and SIAC is at an all-time high. As we gear up for the 2026 NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament, three powerhouse HBCU programs, Morehouse College, Fayetteville State University (FSU), and Virginia Union University (VUU), have officially punched their tickets to the big dance.

March basketball always reveals a team’s true identity. Over a long season, programs develop chemistry, leadership, and discipline. By the time the NCAA tournament arrives, the teams that advance are often the ones that have built the strongest foundation long before postseason play begins. This year, three HBCU programs have earned spots in the 2026 NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament, representing both the CIAA and SIAC conferences on the national stage.

Morehouse Returns to Championship Form

Morehouse College enters the tournament after capturing the SIAC Championship, marking a major moment for the Maroon Tigers program. Throughout the conference tournament, Morehouse demonstrated the balance that defines strong postseason teams: disciplined defense, controlled tempo, and timely scoring. Key contributors such as Sincere Moore and Josiah Lawson led the offense, while the team’s interior presence enabled the Tigers to control critical possessions in late-game situations. For Morehouse, the South Regional now presents an opportunity to build on that momentum and extend one of the program’s most successful seasons in recent years.

Fayetteville State’s Consistent Excellence

Fayetteville State University enters the tournament following a strong season highlighted by a CIAA Tournament Championship. The Broncos’ postseason push was fueled by senior guard Terrell Williams, whose scoring performance in the championship game helped secure the conference title and the program’s NCAA bid. Fayetteville State has built its success this season around balanced scoring and defensive discipline, two elements that often determine how far a team can go in March.

Virginia Union’s Tournament Experience

Virginia Union University adds another NCAA appearance to its long tradition of competitive basketball within the CIAA. Programs with deep basketball history often carry an intangible advantage in tournament environments. Players understand the expectations attached to the program and step into postseason play with confidence.

Virginia Union’s presence in the Atlantic Regional reinforces its reputation as one of the conference’s most respected programs.

March Brings Opportunity

For these programs, the NCAA tournament represents an opportunity to showcase the level of talent and preparation that continues to define HBCU basketball. Now the focus shifts to the bracket and the possibility that one of these teams could turn a strong season into a memorable tournament run.