In case you were wondering who your neighbor is rooting for this March Madness, he or she has probably already told you, often, particularly if that annoying person is leading their pool.
Or maybe you’re also thinking of your neighboring state and who they’re cheering on to win the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
MORE: Sweet 16 games on today, March Madness TV schedule for 3/26/26
What about the country as a whole? How many states are rooting for, say, St. John’s? Some of the answers may surprise you..
The answer map (see below) is courtesy of the whiz kids at BetOnline. Here’s how data was collected:
The map is based on geotagged X data since the Sweet 16 was finalized. The results were based on tracking tweets, hashtags, and direct keyword phrases about who fans were picking to win the men’s NCAA Tournament.
Pretty cool.
Here’s the state breakdown:
Duke (13 states)
Mar 7, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils fans celebrate a win over the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Duke Blue Devils won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
States rooting for the Blue Devils: Alaska, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia
Sports fans in Ohio would rather see Duke win it all. Man, do they hate Michigan.
Michigan (13 states)
Jan 6, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; A Michigan Wolverines fan reacts from the stands during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
States rooting for the Wolverines: Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Wisconsin
At least friendly Badgers fans are supporting their neighbor and Big 10 brethren.
Arizona (11 states)
Feb 28, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats fans react during the first half of the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
States rooting for the Wildcats: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
All of these make sense to me except for Mississippi.
Houston (4 states)
Feb 21, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars fans react before the Cougars played against the Arizona Wildcats at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
States rooting for the Cougars: Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas
I would have guessed that the Cougars had won more than four states.
UConn (3 states)
Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA;.UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley reacts in the first half during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
States rooting for the Huskies: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont
Do you think the country has grown weary of the Huskies’ winning and churlish Dan Hurley’s whining? Just askin.’
Alabama (1 state)
Jan 24, 2026; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide fans cheer during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
State rooting for the Crimson Tide: Alabama
One and done, just like the remainder of the teams coming up next.
Ahh, there’s nothing like sweet home — right, Alabama? — where enthusiastic love and support are apparent.
Arkansas (1 state)
Dec 3, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Ryan Acuff Jr (5) celebrates with fans after a game against the Louisville Cardinals at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 89-80. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
State rooting for the Razorbacks: Arkansas
Illinois (1 state)
Feb 15, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini fans cheer during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
State rooting for the Fightin’ Illini: Illinois
Iowa State (1 state)
Mar 22, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images
State rooting for the Cyclones: Iowa
Purdue (1 state)
Mar 20, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Fans look on during the Purdue Boilermakers and Queens University of Charlotte Royals game during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
State rooting for the Boilermakers: Indiana
St. John’s (1 state)
State rooting for the Red Storm: Maine
So, there you have it, folks.
I’m wondering if your state’s NCAA Tournament champion choice reflects your own views or those of others you know and whose opinion you value. Is there a secret Dookies fan out there you didn’t suspect?
Send this to colleagues, friends, and family to find out.
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