Men’s Final Four Analytics Challenge

The Final Four Analytics Challenge (formerly the Crossroads Classic Analytics Challenge) is an annual academic competition that brings together top undergraduate and graduate students from Indiana schools. Participants apply cutting-edge data science and machine learning to solve real-world business and operational challenges faced by the NCAA.

A First-of-Its-Kind Expansion

In 2026, the competition expands beyond its original format to include all NCAA Division I, II, and III schools in Indiana. This new structure introduces three competitive rounds, culminating in final presentations on April 6, 2026, at the NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis just before the Division I Men’s National Championship game.

Competition Timeline

  • Registration: Opens December 1, 2025, and closes January 30, 2026 (teams must be fully registered by 11:59 PM).
  • Tip-Off Event: February 2, 2026, at the NCAA Hall of Champions in downtown Indianapolis.
  • Round 1: In the first round students will be challenged to create machine learning models based on the case presented by the NCAA. The top undergraduate and graduate students from each school will advance to the semifinals.
  • Semifinals: In the second round teams will be challenged with using their previous model design to make forecasts. Additionally a business report and corresponding video must be submitted explaining their design.
  • Championship: The top eight graduate and undergraduate teams will be selected to represent their schools in the championship. The championship will take place in person at the Indiana Convention Center before the National Championship game!

Awards & Eligibility

Graduate Division – Open to all full- or part-time graduate students at participating institutions.

  • 1st Place: $2,500
  • 2nd Place: $1,500
  • 3rd Place: $500
  • Best Visualization: $500

Undergraduate Division – Open to all full- or part-time undergraduate students at participating institutions.

  • 1st Place: $2,500
  • 2nd Place: $1,500
  • 3rd Place: $500
  • Best Visualization: $500

Experiential Division – Designed for students who want to participate in enrichment activities without competing for prizes. Selected teams meeting minimum requirements may be selected to present at the championship.

Team registration now open!
1. Teams must be comprised of two-five students.
2. All students attending an NCAA participating school in Indiana are eligible to participate.
3. Watch the following video for instructions on creating or joining a team.
4. Registration closes January 30 at 11:59 PM.

Register a Team

Schedule

The following is the program schedule of events for the Final Four Analytics challenge. Be sure to stick around throughout the day. There are some fun giveaways and surprise appearances that will truly make it a memorable event.

Participating Schools