The Varying States of Bracketology
The 2020–21 college basketball season is unique. All involved — coaches, players, administrators, media, fans — can expect postponements, cancellations and adjustments to the normal cycle of games and the postseason.
This includes the NCAA tournament, which is under the largest microscope after the abrupt end to the 2019–20 season. The 2021 tourney is on schedule, albeit at a single site, but it would be foolish to proceed without pandemic contingencies.
In addition to the standard 68-team NCAA projections, Bracketology now includes 48-team and 16-team versions. The truth is there is no way to know at this point what Selection Sunday will bring, so all bases must be covered .
68-Team Bracket
Bracket Watch
Gonzaga's last loss came a little over 50 weeks ago at BYU, and the Bulldogs avoided a repeat Monday in Provo against a Cougars team that is also NCAA-bound. The Zags are now 9-0 against Q1/Q2 competition, a smidge ahead of Baylor at 8-0. But the gap has closed. If the Bears were to win out, they would be the No. 1 overall seed on Selection Sunday.
On the Bubble
Last Four Byes
First Four Out
Last Four In
Next Four Out
68-Team Bracket
First Four
48-Team Bracket
Bracket Watch
It wasn't the best weekend for a pair of mid-majors -- Boise State and Drake -- that had been cruising along in the top half of the bracket. The Broncos lost twice at Nevada and the previously unbeaten Bulldogs had to work for a split at Valparaiso. The losses dropped both teams to double-digit seeds in the 68-team field and out of the 48-team projection altogether.
On the Bubble
Last Four In (at-large)
Last Four In (auto qualifiers)
First Four Out (at-large)
First Four Out (auto qualifiers)
48-Team Bracket
16-Team Bracket
Bracket Watch
It was probably just a matter of time before the Big Ten began to dominate the top of the seed list. After the obvious choices -- Baylor and Gonzaga, in whatever order you prefer -- the Big Ten now holds the next three spots in our top five. Michigan and Ohio State round out the No. 1 seeds, with Illinois checking in as the highest No. 2. In our last NCAA tourney (2019), there were three No. 1 seeds from the ACC.