As the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament approaches, every team is fighting hard to secure the best possible seed. Coaches may claim that the number next to their team’s name doesn’t matter, but in reality, it can significantly influence a team’s journey. A high seed can offer advantages like playing closer to home with strong fan support and facing theoretically weaker opponents. While being a top seed doesn’t guarantee a championship, it certainly makes the path a bit smoother. Let’s take a look at the teams rising up the seed line and those struggling as March Madness nears.
Why Seeding Matters in the NCAA Tournament
Seeding is more than just a number. Higher-seeded teams often get:
- Favorable matchups: Facing lower-ranked teams in the early rounds.
- Home-court advantage: Playing closer to their fan base.
- Momentum: Confidence boost from strong regular-season performance.
While underdogs can pull off surprises, history shows that top-seeded teams have a better chance of making deep tournament runs.
Teams on the Rise
Florida Gators
The Gators have become the third SEC team projected as a top seed. Despite a recent 20-point loss to Tennessee, Florida’s resume is strong with key wins, including one over the Volunteers. Their upcoming game against Auburn will be crucial to solidify their spot.
Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M is in great form, winning four of their last five games. They’ve collected seven Quad 1 wins, the fourth most in the country. With an easier stretch of conference games ahead, the Aggies have a prime opportunity to maintain their momentum.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech is the hottest team in the Big 12, boasting a seven-game win streak, including a big win over Houston. Ranked No. 8 in the NET rankings, they’ve bounced back from early-season struggles and have impressive wins against top teams like Arizona and Houston.
St. John’s Red Storm
Rick Pitino’s leadership has turned St. John’s into a powerhouse in the Big East. Riding a nine-game win streak—their longest since 1984-85—they recently defeated Marquette. With 20 wins already, they can boost their tournament stock by securing more Quad 1 victories.
Arizona Wildcats
Arizona has made an incredible turnaround after a shaky 4-5 start. They’ve gone 12-1 since then, including five Quad 1 wins. Their thrilling overtime win against Iowa State has positioned them as a potential top-four seed, possibly playing out West in the early rounds.
UCLA Bruins
UCLA has climbed from the bubble to a solid single-digit seed thanks to a six-game win streak. Their latest win against Michigan State, the Big Ten’s top team, shows their offense is back on track. They’re also in the running for a double-bye in the conference tournament.
Teams Falling Down the Seed Line
Iowa State Cyclones
Since Arizona’s Caleb Love hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer against them, Iowa State has been in a slump. They’ve lost three straight games, including disappointing performances against Kansas State and Kansas. Their hopes for a No. 1 seed are fading unless they recover quickly.
Oregon Ducks
Oregon started strong with a 9-0 record and five Quad 1 wins, but things have gone downhill in their first Big Ten season. They’ve lost four of their last five games, including a blowout loss to UCLA. Despite eight Quad 1 wins, they’re no longer looking like a top-16 team.
Connecticut Huskies
UConn has been inconsistent, with surprising losses like the one to Xavier but also impressive wins, such as against Marquette. Their chances of reaching the second weekend of the tournament don’t look great unless they find stability. The return of freshman Liam McNeeley could help.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
The SEC grind has hit Mississippi State hard. They’ve lost three of their last four games, struggling offensively, especially in a 27-point home loss to Missouri. Their position in the top 16 is slipping fast.
North Carolina Tar Heels
North Carolina’s brand alone can’t save them. They’ve lost four of their last five games, including unexpected defeats at home against Stanford and collapses against Pittsburgh. A dismal 1-9 record in Quad 1 games puts their tournament hopes in serious jeopardy.
As the NCAA Tournament nears, teams are either peaking at the right time or struggling under pressure. Strong performances now can secure better seeds, favorable matchups, and an easier path to the coveted Final Four. However, for teams like North Carolina and Iowa State, time is running out to turn things around. The next few weeks will be critical, with every win and loss impacting the final bracket.
