Joe LunardiJan 27, 2026, 10:25 AM ETClose Resident college basketball bracketologist for ESPN Contributor to SportsCenter, ESPN Insider Published first public bracket in 1995Follow on X
By the time Selection Sunday arrives, there will have been plenty of movement in the projected field of 68 for the 2026 NCAA tournament regarding the teams that are in, as well as those looking to get in.
While our Tuesday and Friday Bracketology updates allow us to look at the race to March Madness holistically in a week, results every day matter and can affect teams — whether they’re playing or not.
Men’s Bracketologist Joe Lunardi is tracking every relevant game every night — and why shouldn’t you?
Here, we provide an inside look at the headlines and upcoming matchups that inform Joey Brackets’ calculations on any given night, as he projects the teams that could have their names called on Selection Sunday (March 15).
A couple of housekeeping things: This page will update every day around lunchtime, between Tuesday and Saturday to start — with a few exceptions. Games are listed in order of importance to the bracket changes. A team’s projection on that day is listed in parentheses if not otherwise noted.
State of the top seeds: Arizona and Duke certainly solidified the top two spots on the seed list with important victories on Big Monday.
Around the bubble: Virginia Tech loss (see: below) is vulnerable to being replaced by Seton Hall or Indiana; New Mexico is a bit safer playing on the road at UNLV.
Where unbeaten Miami (OH) stands: The Red Hawks would sit among the “Last Four In” group if not in possession of the MAC auto bid; the number of losses required to fall out of the conference lead would, unfortunately, also drop them below the at-large cut line.
(2) Nebraska at (1) Michigan. One of the biggest college basketball games in Nebraska history, with both teams playing for a 1-seed in Ann Arbor; the loser drops to (or remains, in Nebraska’s case) a 2-seed. 7 p.m., Peacock
(7) Kentucky at (4) Vanderbilt. A huge seeding game for UK, which is on a small winning streak, while Vandy can return to elite status by continuing to right the ship. 9 p.m., ESPN
(5) Virginia at Notre Dame. A Cavaliers win — combined with Vanderbilt losing to Kentucky — would move them back to a 4-seed. 7 p.m., ESPN2
Georgia Tech at (Last Four In) Virginia Tech. A loss drops the Hokies out of the bracket entirely. 8 p.m., ACCN
(3) Purdue at (First Four Out) Indiana. This is a gigantic rivalry, yes, but also an opportunity for the Hoosiers to re-enter the field. 9 p.m., Peacock
(Next Four Out) Missouri at (5) Alabama. The Tigers would be knocking on the door with a road upset of the Tide. 8 p.m., SEC Network
Massachusetts at (11) Miami (OH). All the RedHawks can do is keep winning, but UMass has won four of five and will be a threat to the unbeaten record. 9 p.m., ESPNU
Close Resident college basketball bracketologist for ESPN Contributor to SportsCenter, ESPN Insider Published first public bracket in 1995Follow on X