The First Four has always had a weird dynamic, with half the participating teams being eliminated before the tournament feels like it starts. On March 17, 2026, this unique aspect of the NCAA Tournament was highlighted as Dick Vitale made his debut calling an NCAA Tournament game for a U.S. television audience, alongside fellow commentator Charles Barkley.
The game featured 11-seed NC State facing off against 11-seed Texas, scheduled to tip off at 9:15 p.m. ET. This matchup was significant not only for the teams involved but also for the commentators, as it marked the first time Vitale and Barkley worked together during the NCAA Tournament.
Charles Barkley expressed his excitement, stating, “I’ve been trying to get this for 15 years, to work a college basketball game with you.” In response, Vitale reflected on the moment, saying, “Forty-six years, I’ve had a lot of great moments … but working with Charles is one of the five greatest highlights.”
Vitale’s enthusiasm was palpable as he exclaimed, “CAPITAL-A AWESOME, BABY!” showcasing his trademark passion for the sport. This debut came during a time when the First Four has gained attention for its potential to propel teams into deeper tournament runs, as seen in past years with teams like VCU in 2011 and UCLA in 2021, both of which advanced to the Final Four after starting in the First Four.
Last year, the highest-rated set of First Four games drew 2.4 million viewers for the matchup between Texas and Xavier, setting a benchmark for viewership that this year’s game hopes to surpass. The excitement surrounding this year’s tournament, combined with the presence of Vitale and Barkley, is expected to draw significant attention from college basketball fans.
As the tournament progresses, observers will be watching closely to see how the teams perform and whether this collaboration between Vitale and Barkley will lead to memorable moments on air. The NCAA Tournament continues to evolve, and with it, the dynamics of its coverage.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the impact of this partnership on future broadcasts, but the anticipation is high for what lies ahead in the tournament.
