By Selection Sunday tomorrow, there will have been plenty of movement in the projected field for the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament.
Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology captures the race to March Madness holistically, but it doesn’t always reflect the latest results — especially during Champ Week, when action is happening around the clock. Enter: This watch guide, which is designed to take you inside the mind of Lunardi and how he anticipates results that could impact the projected bracket.
Let’s start with the latest headlines, then run through relevant games (listed in order of importance to the bracket). A team’s latest projection is listed in parentheses, if not otherwise noted.
Scores available here. All times Eastern.
Bracketology |
Bubble Watch |
Champ Week schedule |
NCAA tournament details
Saturday, March 14
HEADLINES
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State of the bubble: The most generous look at the bubble has seven teams in the mix for four available at-large spots in our projected bracket. With Saint Louis losing to Dayton, VCU moves from the bubble into the main bracket as the Atlantic 10’s highest remaining seed. Miami (Ohio), Missouri, SMU and Texas are currently the Last Four In. Oklahoma, Auburn and San Diego State are currently in the First Four Out.
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Bid-stealer watch: The last potential bid thief is still alive in the Atlantic 10: Dayton. If the Flyers prevail Sunday, the number of available at-large spots shrinks from five to four and VCU returns to the at-large pool.
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Who will be the final No. 1 seed? Duke, Michigan and Arizona are locks for the top line. Florida is an overwhelming favorite for the final spot, even with today’s lopsided semifinal loss.
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Houston to … Houston? Regardless of seed, the Cougars are almost certainly headed to the South Region; there are no restrictions for them to play in their hometown as a non-host, even as a 2-seed.
