The men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament continues with Sweet 16 action Thursday as No. 2 Purdue and No. 11 Texas battle for a spot in the Elite Eight.
USA TODAY Sports’ college basketball experts have analyzed all the angles and determined a path to victory for each side. Here’s everything you need to know — including how to watch, betting odds and analysis — before the Sweet 16 matchup tips off.
Stay up to date with USA TODAY’s team of journalists covering the men’s NCAA Tournament throughout the 68-team dance.
Purdue will win Sweet 16 game vs Texas if…
- John Leuzzi: it doesn’t change anything that has worked in the last two weeks. It’s cliche but the Boilermakers are one of the hottest teams in the country, and that starts with their game plan. Dictate the pace of the game with Braden Smith. Trey Kaufman-Renn will also need to duplicate his success from the first weekend.
- Jordan Mendoza: Purdue avoids turnovers.
- Ehsan Kassim: Win the rebounding battle and get second chances against the Longhorns.
- Austin Curtright: Purdue’s defense continues to play well. Purdue already has one of the best offenses in the country, but its defense has stepped up during its current 10-game winning streak.
Texas will win Sweet 16 game vs Purdue if…
- John Leuzzi: it can contain Braden Smith, and dictate the pace of the game. Smith is one of the top playmakers and point guards in the country, and a wizard at creating offensive chances for his teammates. Texas will also need to find ways to get the ball to Matas Vokietaitis, who is a big reason why the Longhorns are still alive.
- Jordan Mendoza: It can make its perimeter shots.
- Ehsan Kassim: Relying on its defense to shut down Braden Smith’s playmaking.
- Austin Curtright: Dailyn Swain has an all-time performance.
Purdue vs Texas: 1 Stat to watch
- John Leuzzi: Fletcher Loyer finding his shot from beyond the arc early. He went 4-for-4 in 3-point attempts against Miami, and is averaging 3.5 triples in Purdue’s last six wins.
- Jordan Mendoza: 3-point shooting.
- Ehsan Kassim: Offensive rebounds for Purdue.
- Austin Curtright: Trey Kaufman-Renn’s scoring. The senior forward averaged 20.1 points per game last season for Purdue, but his scoring average went down to 14.1 this season. However, he’s heating up at the right time, with back-to-back-to-back performances of 20, 25 and 19 points in his last three games, respectively.
Purdue vs Texas Sweet 16 prediction
- John Leuzzi: Purdue
- Jordan Mendoza: Purdue
- Ehsan Kassim: Texas
- Austin Curtright: Purdue
2 Purdue vs 11 Texas
- Opening Moneyline: Purdue (-310), Texas (+250)
- Opening Spread: Purdue (-7.5)
- Opening Total: 149
Sweet 16 picks, predictions and odds
How to Watch Purdue vs Texas in the Sweet 16
No. 2 Purdue takes on No. 11 Texas at SAP Center on March 26 at 7:10 PM The game is airing on CBS.
Stream March Madness on Fubo
2026 Men’s March Madness full schedule
See the schedule, live scores and results for all of the NCAA Tournament action here.
- March 17-18: First Four
- March 19-20: First Round
- March 21-22: Second Round
- March 26-27: Sweet 16
- March 28-29: Elite 8
- April 4: Final Four
- April 6: National Championship
