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Joe Lunardi
Multiple Authors
As Selection Sunday approaches, the projected field of 68 teams for the 2026 NCAA tournament will see considerable shifts among those already in and those vying for a spot.
Our Tuesday and Friday Bracketology updates provide a comprehensive look at the race to March Madness, but daily results can significantly influence teams, regardless of whether they are actively playing.
Men’s Bracketologist Joe Lunardi is tracking all crucial games each night, and you should too!
This article offers insight into the headlines and upcoming matchups that Joe’s calculations consider on any given night as he predicts the teams that might hear their names called on Selection Sunday (March 15).
Just a few housekeeping notes: This page will refresh daily around lunchtime from Tuesday to Saturday, although some exceptions apply. Games are prioritized based on their potential impact on bracket standings. A team’s projection for that day is noted in parentheses unless stated otherwise.
Scores available here. All times Eastern
Projected field of 68 |
NCAA tournament details
Saturday, Jan. 31
HEADLINES
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State of the top seeds: Michigan faces a tough test against Michigan State on Friday (8 p.m., Fox), but can probably manage a loss.
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State of the bubble: With every relevant team except TCU playing Saturday, expect significant movement. Virginia Tech (vs. Duke) and Murray State (at Belmont) would secure their statuses with wins. The following five would drop out with a loss: Indiana (at UCLA), Texas (at Oklahoma), USC (vs. Rutgers), New Mexico (at San Jose State), and San Diego State (at Utah State).
GAMES THAT COULD AFFECT THE BRACKET
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(1) Duke at (First Out) Virginia Tech. An upset could spare the Hokies from weeks of worry. 12 p.m., ESPN
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(4) Texas Tech at (9) UCF. A road win can restore the Red Raiders to their former 3-seed status. 12 p.m., ESPN2
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(8) Texas A&M at (9) Georgia. Two overachieving SEC teams clash in a pivotal seeding matchup. 1 p.m., SECN
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(10) San Diego State at (9) Utah State. The winner gains control of the Mountain West. 1 p.m., CBS
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(Last Four In) Texas at Oklahoma. The Longhorns are desperate for a win after a previous loss. 2 p.m., ESPN2
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(4) BYU at (4) Kansas. A collision of 4-seeds where both teams have seeding stakes. 4:30 p.m., ESPN
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Montana State at (14) Portland State. The victor leads the Big Sky and secures a spot in Tuesday’s bracket. 5 p.m., ESPN+
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(8) Kentucky at (5) Arkansas. If Arkansas wins and Texas A&M loses, they could top the SEC. 6:30 p.m., ESPN
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(First Four Out) Santa Clara at Loyola Marymount. Wins by Santa Clara and Saint Mary’s would likely make the Broncos the projected automatic qualifier for the WCC. 9 p.m., ESPN
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(9) Saint Mary’s at (3) Gonzaga. The final chapter of a classic WCC rivalry unfolds in Spokane. 10:30 p.m., ESPN
