It's time for the 2026 Tip Off for Tom NCAA Men’s Basketball Pool!
Tom Irelan, started this March Madness Pool in 2008. He wanted us to all continue this fun tradition. According to Tom - the NCAA Men’s basketball Tournament is the greatest sporting event ever!!
Please see the pool details and rules below. The pool grows each year; in 2025 we had 321 entries. Our goal is 400 entries and to raise at least $15,000 to fund fight brain cancer research this spring.
NCAA Pool Details
To join the pool, click the button below. New players can register, returning players login with your same login and password as last year!
Entry Opens: AFTER CBS Selection Show
Sunday, March 15th at 6:00 pm EST
Entry Deadline: Thursday, March 19th, Noon EST (Payment due by March 22)
GAME SCHEDULE:
First Round – Thursday, March 19th and Friday, March 20th
Second Round – Saturday, March 21st and Sunday, March 22nd
Sweet Sixteen – Thursday, March 26th and Friday, March 27th
Elite Eight - Saturday, March 28th and Sunday, March 29th
Final Four - Saturday, April 4th
Championship Game – Monday, April 6th
ENTRY COST:
$15.00 per pool (optional to add $5 for a donation to Glioblastoma Brain Cancer Research. In Tom’s memory, I am going to personally make a $5 donation for each entry to fund brain cancer research. Any money sent to me above the $15 per entry will be donated to Glioblastoma Research Org)
Pool entries payable via Zelle (614-736-5181) or Venmo @Tanya-Irelan
Unlimited pool entries per person – fee is $15 per entry
Payout: There is a small fee charged by Run Your Pool, the remaining total will be divided: First Place: 60%, Second Place: 18%, Third Place: 12%, Fourth Place: 7%, Fifth Place: 3%.