It is generally recognized that the “8/9 game” is the most dangerous slot in the bracket, and Clemson just fell right in the center of it. Following a punishing ACC Tournament appearance that saw them best North Carolina, the Tigers were rewarded with a berth in the Friday/Sunday pod in Tampa, Fla.
A huge geographical victory for the Tigers, opening the tournament in Tampa. As Clemson fans make their way down I-95 in a manageable way, you can expect “Littlejohn South” in full force at the Amalie Arena.
Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 7:10 PM ET (Projected)
TV: TBS / March Madness Live
Location: Amalie Arena — Tampa, FL
Iowa Scouting the Hawkeyes: Who Is Iowa?
Forget “the old” Iowa you’d know. The Hawkeyes (21-12) have become a disciplined, efficient offensive machine as a result of first-year head coach Ben McCollum’s influence. They may have ended up 9th in the Big Ten, but they are going into March as one of the hottest shooting teams in the nation.
The Player to Watch: Bennett Stirtz
This senior guard is the Hawkeye offense's main figure, and averages 20.0 points per game. He is a "stat-sheet stuffer" able to score on all three levels and rarely turns the ball over. Clemson’s Dillon Hunter will likely be asked to lead Stirtz through one such maze of screens all night.
The Weakness: Iowa is small. They rank near the bottom of the Big Ten for rebounding margin and blocked shots. If Clemson plays “bully ball,” it can dictate the paint.
For the Tigers to duplicate their 2024 Elite Eight magic, it has the steepest hill in the region to climb.
Step 1: Out-Muscle Iowa (Friday): Tigers will have to capitalize on their size advantage. Iowa’s defense is efficient, but lacks the rim protection to halt a rolling R.J. Godfrey.
Step 2: The Giant Killer (Sunday): Winning on Friday allows for a date with the No. 1 seed Florida Gators. Florida has been the best team in the country on a unanimous basis for two months. To be able to win, Clemson will need a “perfect” shooting night from Butta Johnson and Ace Buckner.
Bottom Line: Clemson is a veteran team that doesn't rattle. They have already beaten North Carolina and Wake Forest on neutral floors as well this month. They’ve been built for that “one-and-done” environment.