MID-WEEK RISERS AND FALLERS
Michigan solidified its place as a top-seed for now with a narrow home win over shorthanded Nebraska, who was without Rienk Mast. The Cornhuskers impressed so much that they do not move from the best available 2-seed option. Another showdown for Nebraska this Sunday, rematching Illinois, who is a fellow 2-seed.
Houston handled road business at TCU. The comp between UH and Gonzaga was a tight one for the final 2-seed on Monday. This result made it more clear that the Cougars deserve the nod. GU has not played in anticipation for this weekend’s primetime matchup with Saint Mary’s. But while the Bulldogs rest, teams like Iowa State and Vanderbilt had dominant wins. It’s a slippery slope for Gonzaga at the top of the board because so much of their seed list position is predicated on perceived dominance, and they’ll need to reflect that in the power numbers (Torvik, POM, BPI).
The Vols have another quality road win under its belt, thanks to the OT win at Georgia earlier this week. The strength of the Tennessee wins have now earned them a 5-seed and bumped North Carolina to the 6-seed line.
Auburn’s four-game win streak has accumulated. The Tigers strength continues to build and they took the final 6-seed spot today with a better resume than Louisville, who slipped to a 7-seed.
Texas lost to Auburn, and there is no more wiggle room to include the Longhorns at this time. They were ultimately replaced by another big brand who barely have enough credentials to be selected, that would be Indiana. The Hoosiers earned its first NCAA-level win over Purdue earlier this week. They nipped out Santa Clara in a tight comparison for the final spot today.
FIELDING THE 68 SHOW LIVE
Today is Episode #2 of another outstanding season of Fielding The 68. Check us out every Monday and Friday at 5 PM ET / 2 PM PT. Live analysis and discussions about all teams in the mix for March Madness. Can be found on the Field of 68 Platform.
BRACKET
Bracket projections are based on the 2025-26 NCAA Committee Principles and Selection Process. Projected Conference Champions are based on which team has the inside track to the top seed within its conference tournament.
Forecasted At-Large Bids Stolen: 0 (Unlikely): The Annual Average = 2.3 Bids taken per year.
FIRST FOUR OUT: Santa Clara, Missouri, George Mason, Seton Hall
NEXT TEAMS OUT: California, Stanford, Texas, Oklahoma State
FOLLOW ME ON X/TWITTER and BLUESKY: @RoccoMiller8