Who is singing the national anthem at the Men's NCAA National Championship game?

The 2026 NCAA Men's National Championship is not just about the historic clash between Michigan and UConn; it is also a stage for some of the most prestigious musical performances of the year. As fans gather at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the atmosphere will be set by the traditional pre-game ceremonies, headlined by the singing of the National Anthem.

For the 2026 finale, the NCAA has selected a performance that honors both the host city's rich musical heritage and the gravity of the "three-peat" pursuit currently facing the college basketball world.

The 2026 National Anthem Performer

The National Anthem for tonight's championship game will be performed by a vocal quartet representing the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, accompanied by the Indianapolis Children's Choir. This choice continues a long-standing NCAA tradition of utilizing local collegiate talent or high-profile ensembles to deliver a powerful, classically-driven rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

This year's performance is particularly symbolic, as Indianapolis is often referred to as the amateur sports capital of the world. By featuring local student-athletes of the arts alongside the Wolverines and Huskies, the NCAA highlights the "student" aspect of the Final Four experience.

Pre-game Traditions and Start Time

The anthem is scheduled to take place at approximately 9:05 p.m. ET, just minutes before the scheduled 9:20 p.m. ET tip-off. Following the anthem, the stadium will witness the traditional "One Shining Moment" retrospective and the introduction of the starting lineups for Dusty May and Dan Hurley.

Historically, the anthem has been a platform for both rising stars and established legends. From the Pentatonix to local military ensembles, the performance serves as the final deep breath before the "Madness" concludes.

Tonight, as UConn attempts to secure its third consecutive title and Michigan looks to end its nearly 40-year drought, the anthem will provide the last moment of calm before the storm in Indy. Fans can catch the full ceremony live on TBS, TNT, and truTV, or stream it via the March Madness Live app.