Houston vs Idaho predictions, picks, odds for NCAA Tournament First Round

The First Round of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament continues Thursday with No. 2 Houston vs. No. 15 Idaho opening the 16-game schedule.

Here is Thursday’s full first-round March Madness schedule and expert picks from reporters across the USA TODAY Sports Network.

USA TODAY Sports has a team of journalists covering the men’s NCAA Tournament to keep you up to date with every point scored, rebound grabbed and game won in the 68-team tournament.

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No. 2 Houston vs No. 15 Idaho prediction

• John Leuzzi: Houston
• Ehsan Kassim: Houston
• Austin Curtright: Houston
• Craig Meyer: Houston

No. 2 Houston vs No. 15 Idaho odds

• Opening Moneyline: Houston (-10000)
• Opening Spread: Houston (-22)
• Opening Total: 133.5

How to Watch Houston vs Idaho today

No. 2 Houston takes on No. 15 Idaho at Paycom Center on March 19 at 10:10 p.m. The game is airing on truTV.

Stream March Madness on Fubo

2026 Men’s March Madness full schedule

See the schedule, live scores and results for all of today’s NCAA Tournament action here.

• March 17-18: First Four
• March 19-20: First Round
• March 21-22: Second Round
• March 26-27: Sweet 16
• March 28-29: Elite 8
• April 4: Final Four
• April 6: National Championship