The University of Connecticut and University of Michigan will compete Monday night for the NCAA Division I men's basketball national championship, capping off the annual March Madness tournament.

Both teams advanced through the tournament bracket to reach the final game. UConn secured their spot in the championship by defeating Illinois in the Final Four, eliminating the Fighting Illini from the tournament.

The Huskies and Wolverines represent two prominent college basketball programs meeting in what marks the culmination of the NCAA tournament. UConn enters the final game seeking to add another national title to their program's history.

Illinois' season ended in the semifinal round against UConn, with players and coaches expressing disappointment following their Final Four exit. The loss highlighted the competitive nature of tournament play at the highest level.

Monday's championship game will determine the 2026 NCAA Division I men's basketball national champion. The contest represents the final game of the tournament that began with 68 teams competing for the title.