Why fans should be on the lookout for Auburn going into the tournament (1:00)Joe Lunardi breaks down why Auburn stands out the most of the teams “on the bubble” heading into the tournament. (1:00)
Joe LunardiMar 9, 2026, 01:20 PM ETClose Resident college basketball bracketologist for ESPN Contributor to SportsCenter, ESPN Insider Published first public bracket in 1995Follow on XMultiple Authors
By the time Selection Sunday arrives, there will have been plenty of movement in the projected field of 68 for the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament regarding the teams that are in, as well as those looking to get in.
We’ll give you an inside look at the headlines that inform Joey Brackets’ calculations and highlight games in order of importance to bracket movement. A team’s projection on that day is listed in parentheses, if not otherwise noted.
While Bracketology allows us to look at the race to March Madness holistically, results every day matter and can affect teams — whether they’re playing or not. It is particularly important during Champ Week, when a team’s bracket fate hangs on the two weeks of single-elimination conference tournaments — whether it is a lock for the field or on the bubble. We’re taking you inside the mind of men’s bracketologist Joe Lunardi, who is tracking every single game, and the associated stakes, between updating his projections for the field of 68.
Why fans should be on the lookout for Auburn going into the tournament (1:00)Joe Lunardi breaks down why Auburn stands out the most of the teams “on the bubble” heading into the tournament. (1:00)
Joe Lunardi breaks down why Auburn stands out the most of the teams “on the bubble” heading into the tournament. (1:00)
Champ Week Monday: Two conference tournament title games and one significant bubble matchup highlight a slower slate after a wild start to Champ Week over the weekend.
The Charles Bediako wrinkle: A reminder that three SEC bubble teams — Missouri, Texas A&M and Auburn — lost games to Alabama with Bediako; selection committee members are permitted to weigh those results accordingly.
New to Bracketology: No. 1 seeds in the CAA and Patriot League have lost and been replaced by the highest-seeded survivors: Hofstra and Lehigh, respectively.
NIT projections: The following non-high-major regular-season champions are guaranteed an NIT auto-bid, should they lose in their conference tournaments: Miami (Ohio) (MAC), South Florida (American), Liberty (CUSA), Stephen F. Austin (Southland) and Utah Valley (WAC).
(Last Four In) Santa Clara vs. (7) Saint Mary’s. The Broncos would ascend to “Last Four Byes” with a win. A loss would drop them to No. 2 in “Last Four In,” behind SMU. 11:30 p.m., ESPN2
Oregon State vs. (4) Gonzaga. It’s hard to imagine the Zags not reaching the title game in their final WCC season. 9 p.m., ESPN
Furman vs. (14) East Tennessee State in the Southern final. If Furman beats top seed ETSU, its NCAA seed would be in First Four range. 7 p.m., ESPN
Georgia Southern vs. (14) Troy in the Sun Belt final. If the Eagles complete their miracle run, they get a bye to Indianapolis. 7 p.m., ESPN2
Towson vs. (13) Hofstra. Multiple upsets give this CAA semifinal a championship-level feel. 8:30 pm., CBSSN
Projected field of 68 | Bubble Watch | Champ Week schedule | NCAA tournament details
Joe LunardiMar 9, 2026, 01:20 PM ETClose Resident college basketball bracketologist for ESPN Contributor to SportsCenter, ESPN Insider Published first public bracket in 1995Follow on XMultiple Authors
Close Resident college basketball bracketologist for ESPN Contributor to SportsCenter, ESPN Insider Published first public bracket in 1995Follow on X