The men’s college basketball landscape is heating up as the 2026 NCAA tournament approaches, with less than six weeks until Selection Sunday. Joe Lunardi’s latest Bracketology updates provide a detailed look at projected tournament teams across several high-major conferences. Each team is categorized into tiers, showcasing their chances of success as the season progresses.
Big Ten Conference Dominance
Currently projecting a remarkable 11 teams for the NCAA tournament, the Big Ten is poised for a strong finish as the regular season wraps up. This conference, often referred to as the “conference of quantity,” has demonstrated a significant increase in quality this year.
Leading the charge are the Michigan Wolverines, who sit atop the seed list alongside teams like the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Illinois Fighting Illini. Michigan’s potential for a Final Four run is substantial, with the Wolverines positioned to capitalize on their strong roster. Nebraska, historically noted as the only high-major conference school without an NCAA tournament win, could become a compelling story if they manage to secure multiple victories this March.
Other likely tournament participants from the Big Ten include the Michigan State Spartans, Purdue Boilermakers, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Wisconsin Badgers. Each of these teams has the capability to make an impact in the tournament, though recent challenges may affect their standings.
SEC Seeks Stability
With a current projection of 10 bids, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) is navigating a season that has not reached the unprecedented heights of last year. While the Florida Gators, reigning champions, are showing signs of returning to form, the overall depth of the conference has been balanced across high-major leagues.
Florida has emerged as a strong contender, having recently defeated Vanderbilt and Alabama, which positions them well for a high seed. Other likely tournament teams include the Vanderbilt Commodores, Tennessee Volunteers, and Alabama Crimson Tide, all of which possess the talent to advance far into the tournament.
The Texas A&M Aggies stand out as a sleeper team, having made significant improvements and now looking to solidify their postseason prospects. Conversely, teams like the LSU Tigers and Oklahoma Sooners are grappling with disappointing seasons, facing uphill battles for tournament inclusion.
ACC and Big 12 Outlooks
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) currently projects 8 bids, showcasing a shift in depth rather than dominance. The Duke Blue Devils are favored to capture a No. 1 seed, with the potential for multiple teams to join them in the field, including Virginia and North Carolina.
In the Big 12, the current projection indicates 7 teams could make the NCAA tournament. This conference has historically been competitive, and this season is no exception, with Arizona, Iowa State, and Houston all in contention for top seeds.
Notably, the UCF Knights have emerged as a sleeper, having secured important wins that could enhance their tournament chances. Unfortunately, teams like the Arizona State Sun Devils and Cincinnati Bearcats are struggling, needing significant wins to revive their postseason hopes.
Big East’s Changing Landscape
The Big East is currently projected to send 3 teams to the NCAA tournament. UConn is solidifying its status as a national powerhouse, while St. John’s and Villanova are vying for potential tournament spots. The landscape of this conference has shifted, making it challenging for multiple teams to qualify as they have in previous seasons.
As the season progresses, key matchups will undoubtedly influence the final outcomes. Fans can look forward to pivotal games across all conferences leading up to Selection Sunday, as teams strive to improve their standings and secure their spots in the tournament.
