John Calipari gives thoughts on 76-team NCAA Tournament, his ‘hope’ for expanded field
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
John Calipari doesn’t need much of an invitation to give his opinion. That extends to the NCAA Tournament, which will expand to 76 teams starting with the 2026-27 season.
The Arkansas head coach gave his thoughts on the matter to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, ahead of Thursday’s official news of the expansion.
“IÂ am a big believer in the idea that if it’s not broke, don’t fix it, and I think that applies to the NCAA Tournament,” Calipari said. “Having said that, if we are to expand, my hope is that at least half the spots are held for non-Power Four teams.”
Calipari added that the NCAA’s focus is better served on the transfer portal. He has proposed that student-athletes be permitted to transfer once without penalty. For subsequent transfers, they would be required to sit out a year.
“Our main focus should be on fixing the transfer rules, which would help not only all the teams and athletes in our sport but teams in every sport. And I’ll say it again: That’s where our energy should be focused,” Calipari said.
In the 76-team bracket, the bottom 12 automatic qualifiers and the bottom 12 at-large teams would play in the Opening Round. The winners of those games would enter the field of 64.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
