March Madness Tips Off: How to Watch Texas vs. NC State First Four Battle for Free
The wait is finally over. Selection Sunday has passed, brackets have been scrutinized, and now the madness officially begins. On Tuesday night, the 2026 NCAA Tournament kicks off with a high-stakes showdown in Dayton, Ohio, as the Texas Longhorns face off against the NC State Wolfpack in the First Four.
At stake is the No. 11 seed in the West Region and a chance to advance to the Round of 64. For two programs with rich histories and passionate fan bases, this opening-night clash is more than just a play-in game—it is a fight for survival and a chance to spark a Cinderella run.
The Matchup: Power vs. Resilience
Texas enters the tournament after a rollercoaster season in the SEC. Known for their high-octane offense and defensive length, the Longhorns have proven they can run with the best teams in the country. However, inconsistency down the stretch landed them in Dayton. For Rodney Terry’s squad, the key to victory will be controlling the tempo and utilizing their veteran backcourt to withstand the pressure of a “win-or-go-home” atmosphere.
On the other side of the court, NC State returns to the Big Dance with the “Why Not Us?” mentality that has defined the program in recent years. The Wolfpack, survivors of a grueling ACC schedule, rely on physical interior play and timely perimeter shooting. Having navigated high-pressure games late in the season, NC State is no stranger to the underdog role—a position that often leads to success in the First Four.
What’s at Stake: The West Region Bracket
The winner of Tuesday night’s contest won’t have much time to celebrate. They will officially be crowned the No. 11 seed in the West Region, immediately moving forward to face a No. 6-seeded opponent later this week. Historically, teams that win in the First Four often carry significant momentum into the main bracket, frequently pulling off upsets in the first round.
How to Watch Texas vs. NC State for Free
For fans who want to catch every second of the action without a traditional cable subscription, there are several ways to stream the game legally and for free via trial periods. The game is scheduled to air on truTV, which is the traditional home of the First Four.
Here are the best ways to access a free live stream:
- FuboTV: Known for its extensive sports coverage, FuboTV offers a seven-day free trial for new subscribers, which will cover the entire first weekend of the tournament.
- DirecTV Stream: New users can take advantage of a five-day free trial, providing access to truTV, TBS, and TNT—the three primary networks for March Madness.
- YouTube TV: Often offering a one-week free trial for new accounts, YouTube TV includes all the necessary channels to follow your bracket from the First Four to the National Championship.
- Sling TV: While they don’t always offer a traditional “free” trial, they frequently provide heavily discounted first-month rates for the tournament season.
The game is also available via the NCAA March Madness Live app. While the app typically requires a provider login for unlimited viewing, it often grants a “preview” window for fans to watch a portion of the games for free.
Game Details
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Location: UD Arena, Dayton, Ohio
TV Channel: truTV
Live Stream: FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV
Conclusion
The atmosphere in Dayton is expected to be electric as these two storied programs battle for their tournament lives. Whether you are rooting for the Longhorns’ athleticism or the Wolfpack’s grit, the First Four remains one of the most exciting nights in college sports. Rip up those brackets if you must, but don’t miss tip-off—the road to the Final Four starts tonight.