Comprehensive guide to March Madness

It's March, the bracket is out, and the madness has officially arrived.

The most exciting three weeks on the college basketball calendar are here, with the 2022 NCAA Tournament kicking off this week.

Find everything you need to know about the 68-team event below.

Region previews

South Region

Alabama landed the top overall seed in the entire tournament and the No. 1 slot in the South Region. The Crimson Tide are a tenacious defensive bunch that launches as many triples as any team in the country and has a legit superstar in Brandon Miller. Arizona and Baylor are tournament-tested teams that could make a run from the Nos. 2 and 3 slots, while upsets could be in store from plucky underdogs No. 12 Charleston and No. 13 Furman.

See full preview.

Midwest Region

Kelvin Sampson again leads a very strong Houston team into March Madness. The Cougars have two consecutive Elite Eight appearances under the veteran coach and are primed to make that three straight from the No. 1 slot in the Midwest. Star guard Marcus Sasser's health is the big question mark for Houston, as his scoring will be essential for a deep run. No. 2 Texas and No. 3 Xavier are set for a battle of elite offensive units later in the bracket. Upset-minded Drake is looking to make noise from the No. 12 spot.

See full preview.

West Region

There hasn't been a repeat champion since Florida in 2007, but Kansas stands a strong chance from the No. 1 slot in the West. The Jayhawks are led by star Jalen Wilson on offense, but it's their defensive prowess that has the program among the nation's elite. UCLA is a tournament-tested No. 2 seed with standouts Jaime Jaquez and Tyger Campbell back in the fold, but the Bruins face a major injury issue with Jaylen Clark's absence. Many will look to No. 3 Gonzaga to make a run with star forward Drew Timme again leading the team.

See full preview.

East Region

Purdue storms into March Madness fresh off the Big Ten Tournament title with Zach Edey, the projected national player of the year, in fine form. The 7-foot-4 standout is the most dominant force in college basketball, and he's produced two straight games with at least 30 points and 13 rebounds. But it won't be easy for the Boilermakers as the East is arguably the deepest region in this year's tournament. No. 5 Duke and No. 8 Memphis are two teams that could challenge for the Final Four from outside the top-three seeds.

See full preview.

Tournament news/features

• Alabama No. 1 in final AP Poll; Duke sits 12th after winning ACC title
• March melody: How the iconic theme music for madness was born
• North Carolina slides from preseason No. 1 to no NCAA bid
• 3 most intriguing opening-round matchups on Thursday
• Big Maple: How Zach Edey became an improbable Wooden Award favorite
• Selection Sunday: Alabama, Houston, Kansas, Purdue grab No. 1 seeds
• March Madness' top teams bring talent and, for some, baggage
• NCAA Tournament success depends on strong guard play
• Edey, Jackson-Davis headline AP All-America team

Betting content

• NCAA Tournament odds: 1st look at line moves toward early upsets
• Breaking down the bracket: East Region betting preview
• Breaking down the bracket: South Region betting preview
• Breaking down the bracket: Midwest Region betting preview
• Breaking down the bracket: West Region betting preview
• March Madness: The 5 games you need to win to claim your office pool

Previous winners

2022 - Kansas
2021 - Baylor
2020 - No tournament
2019 - Virginia
2018 - Villanova
2017 - North Carolina
2016 - Villanova
2015 - Duke
2014 - UConn
2013 - Louisville*
2012 - Kentucky

*Title later vacated.