Travis Steele’s Miami (OH) RedHawks and the SMU Mustangs will start their 2026 NCAA Tournament journey today. These two teams will go against each other in their First Four matchup at UD Arena in Dayton.
Both teams are coming off losses in their respective conference tournaments. The RedHawks lost their MAC Tournament matchup 87-83 against the UMass Minutemen, and the Mustangs lost their ACC Tournament matchup 62-58 against the Louisville Cardinals.
The Miami RedHawks have had a far better run this season. They led the Mid-American conference with an 18-0 run and 31-1 overall. Losing the MAC Tournament was the only mistake they’ve made so far.
The Mustangs, on the other hand, went 8-10 in the Atlantic Coast Conference and 20-13 overall. Even though they won their first ACC Tournament game against Syracuse, there’s still a lot left to prove.
Both teams go into their first NCAA Tournament matchup with multiple injuries. The RedHawks have listed three players on the injury report, all of whom have been ruled out for different reasons. Blake Anderson and Leshawn Stowers are out due to undisclosed injuries. Evan Ipsaro has been ruled out for months due to a knee injury.
The Mustangs, on the other hand, have a healthier roster. None of their players has been ruled out for the next game. The SMU Mustangs have two players listed as questionable on the injury report. Corey Washington is questionable due to an undisclosed injury, and BJ Edwards is questionable because of an ankle injury.
Both players could still lace up for their team and will likely be game-time decisions.
Miami (OH) RedHawks Offered Travis Steele a Contract Extension
Impressed by the run he has been on since joining the program in 2022, the Miami RedHawks offered a contract extension to Travis Steele in February 2026. As per reports, the extension will run through the 2033-34 season and will make him one of the highest-paid coaches in the MAC.
When Steele was asked about the extension, he said his top priority at the time was to finish the season on a high note.
“They gave me a contract extension,” he said. “I have not signed yet, honestly, I haven’t looked at it — just because we’ve been so busy going game to game. But I do think it shows a commitment level that Miami has. I’m very happy here.”
He stated that he was grateful to be a part of the Miami program and for the opportunity to coach the players.
Read More:
Embarrassment for ESPN as Jon Scheyer Interview Suffers Glitch Before NCAA Tournament
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
