College Basketball’s standout event gets underway in the US on Tuesday evening, with 68 teams battling it out to become National champions in the March Madness tournament.The competition runs to April 6, when the final takes place at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, in front of over 60,000 fans.The Florida Gators are the defending champions but last year’s beaten finalists, the Houston Cougars, could be the team to be on in the battle to be crowned 2026 winners.Visiting from Canada? Check out all talkSPORT BET odds hereMarch Madness betting tipsTip 1 – Houston Cougars – Outright Winners @ 10/1Tip 2 – Iowa State to win Mid-West Regional @ SPTip 3 – Arizona to win West Regional @ SP*Odds correct at time of publishingtalkSPORT BET – GET £30 IN FREE BETSCougars can get their revengeNBA legends such as Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon were past Houston players, but the Cougars have never previously been crowned NCAA champions.After back-to-back Sweet Sixteen appearances in 2023 and 2024, Houston made the finals 12 months ago but eventually lost 63-65 to the Gators.Kelvin Sampson’s men are known for their relentless physicality and discipline, while the geography of this year’s tournament may also help give them the edge.Their first games take place in nearby Oklahoma City, while the last-round match-ups will be in Houston for the Cougars, whose backcourt depth is a key strength.The likes of Milos Uzan and Kingston Flemings will provide the scoring threat, but their physical defence has often caused opponents big problems.If Houston do reach the Elite Eight stage, that could set up a rematch with Florida in Texas, with home advantage likely to give the Cougars the upper hand.Iowa can rip through the Mid-WestIn Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State has one of the best players in college basketball and he looks likely to have a huge impact on this year’s competition.Many feel the Cyclones have the most complete offence in the tournament, with point guard Tamin Lipsey controlling the tempo and creating turnovers.Head coach T.J Otzelberger has been known in the past for having a strong defensive ethos, but Iowa now look equally accomplished at both ends of the court.The Cyclones could face Virginia in the Sweet 16, which would be a test, but their quality and experience can see them challenge any team.Arizona can turn up the heat in WestYou have to go back to 1997 for the last time Arizona was crowned ‘March Madness’ champions, but almost 30 years later they will feel they have the chance to end that wait.Having won the Big 12 regular season title, the Wildcats are seen as one of the favourites to take the main title in 2026.Point guard Jaden Bradley is certainly a player to watch out for, while freshman forward Koa Peat and ex-Tennessee man Tobe Awaka are also expected to make a big impact.The West region will be tough, with the likes of Wisconsin and Arkansas also in that section, but Arizona’s overall balance and depth should give them the edge.talkSPORT BET – GET £30 IN FREE BETS18+ New customers only. Opt in, deposit and bet £10 on any sports market at 1/1+ odds within 7 days of sign up. Get 3x£10 in Free Bets for set sports markets. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Scroll for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamCare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org