Securing a spot in the NCAA men’s tournament is crucial for teams, with resumes playing a pivotal role. Recent hot or cold streaks have led to significant changes in the latest USA TODAY Sports Bracketology, showcasing teams like Michigan State, Clemson, and Brigham Young making impressive strides due to their winning streaks.
Regardless of conference affiliation, teams in the Mountain West and West Coast Conference have capitalized on opportunities and seen positive results. On the flip side, established teams such as Kansas and Purdue are witnessing a decline in their projected positions, nearing the lower half of the field.
As most teams head into the penultimate week of the regular season, preparations for conference tournaments are also underway. Here are some teams on the rise and those facing a decline in the projected bracket.
**Teams on the Rise**
**Michigan State**
Current projected seed: No. 2 (South)
Michigan State has surged two seed lines following an impactful week, securing key victories against Purdue and Michigan. Tied at the top of the Big Ten, the Spartans boast an impressive Quad 1 record of 8-4. While a No. 1 seed might be a stretch, Michigan State has a chance to solidify its position with upcoming challenging games, starting with a matchup against Maryland.
**Clemson**
Current projected seed: No. 5 (West)
Despite the ACC’s perceived decline, Clemson continues to climb the rankings, moving up three seed lines. With notable wins, including a victory over Duke, the Tigers hold the second-best NET ranking in the conference at No. 22. Clemson has a favorable schedule ahead, positioning them well for a successful ACC campaign.
**Utah State**
Current projected seed: No. 7 (East)
Utah State has made a significant jump in the bracket, moving up three seed lines. A convincing win over San Diego State has bolstered Utah State’s resume, which now includes a 10-4 record in Quad 1 and 2 games. The Aggies have upcoming opportunities against Boise State and Colorado State to enhance their standing.
**Saint Mary’s**
Current projected seed: No. 6 (West)
Saint Mary’s, a consistent presence in past tournaments, is returning to familiar territory with a current No. 6 seed. Securing the West Coast Conference regular-season championship, the Gaels boast a strong NET ranking of No. 16 and a 4-2 Quad 1 record, setting them up well for the postseason.
**Brigham Young**
Current projected seed: No. 8 (East)
In a remarkable turnaround, Brigham Young has transitioned from the First Four to a secure spot in the field. With a four-game win streak, including victories over notable teams, the Cougars are positioned in the top half of the bracket. Brigham Young aims to continue their success against Arizona State and make consecutive tournament appearances.
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Seed No. 12 in the South region, Oklahoma, has experienced a notable turnaround in their NCAA Tournament prospects. Initially on the outside looking in, the Sooners have now secured a spot in the First Four following a crucial home victory over Mississippi State, putting an end to a five-game losing streak. Despite this much-needed win, Oklahoma still has work to do to solidify their position in the tournament. Their upcoming four games in the regular season are all classified as Quad 1 contests, starting with a matchup against Kentucky on Wednesday.
Moving on to Purdue, currently projected as a No. 4 seed in the East region, the team has faced a slight dip in their seeding from a No. 2 to a No. 4 due to a recent four-game losing streak. While Purdue boasts a strong resume that has kept them within the top 16, their losses, particularly the recent defeat against Indiana, have posed challenges. A critical game against UCLA on Friday will be crucial for Purdue to regain momentum and maintain their current No. 4 seeding.
In the West region, Kansas, initially ranked as the preseason No. 1 team, has experienced a significant decline in their projected seeding, now standing at No. 7. After suffering losses against Utah and BYU, the Jayhawks have managed to bounce back with two consecutive wins against Oklahoma State and Colorado. However, with three tough games remaining in the regular season, Kansas faces the possibility of securing their lowest seed since 2000.
Illinois, projected as a No. 9 seed in the South region, faced a tough blow with a significant loss to Duke, marking their third consecutive defeat and pushing them to a 9-8 record in the Big Ten. The Fighting Illini managed to secure a crucial victory against Iowa but face a challenging matchup against Michigan. The blowout against Duke has significantly impacted their tournament prospects, dropping them to the bottom half of the bracket.
Gonzaga, a projected No. 10 seed in the Midwest region, faces uncertainty with their Sweet 16 streak at risk due to a double-digit seeding projection. Suffering a season sweep against Saint Mary’s and holding a modest Quad 1 record of 2-6, Gonzaga’s NET ranking of No. 10 secures their tournament entry, but they are currently set for their lowest seed since 2016. A victory over Santa Clara could potentially boost their momentum as they head into the regular season finale against San Francisco.
Ohio State, projected as a No. 11 seed in the Midwest region and slated for the First Four, is struggling with a 15-13 record, with recent losses impacting their standing. Despite holding the No. 34 spot in the NET ranking, Ohio State’s 8-13 Quad 1 and 2 record raises concerns about their tournament chances. A crucial game against Southern California awaits Ohio State as they aim to improve their seeding.
Georgia’s tournament prospects took a hit after a promising
