You need to have your March Madness bracket filled out before the first Round of 64 game in the NCAA Tournament tips off.

Key deadline (2026)

For the 2026 NCAA tournaments, widely cited schedules say:

  • Men’s bracket: must be completed and submitted by Thursday, March 19, at 12 p.m. ET, when the first Round of 64 game starts.
  • Women’s bracket: must be completed and submitted by Friday, March 20, at 11 a.m. ET, when their first Round of 64 game starts.

Most bracket contests and office pools lock entries at those times, because brackets are supposed to be finalized once the first main‑bracket game in that tournament begins.

A few practical tips

  • Try to finish your picks on Selection Sunday night or within the next day, so you’re not rushing or dealing with site crashes close to the deadline.
  • Remember that the “First Four” play‑in games earlier in the week usually don’t require separate picks in standard brackets; your bracket is built around the 64‑team field that starts on March 19.

TL;DR: Fill out and submit your men’s bracket by March 19 at noon ET and your women’s by March 20 at 11 a.m. ET in 2026—or earlier so you don’t get locked out.