The NCAA Tournament selection committee has released its early top 16 seeds for March Madness 2026, spotlighting Michigan, Duke, Arizona, and Iowa State as 1-seeds. Notably absent, no SEC teams are included among the top eight seeds, a first since the 2017-18 season. Currently, only two SEC teams are slated for the top 16, raising concerns about the conference’s performance this year. The committee chair indicated Alabama and Arkansas were strong contenders just outside the top four. With SEC teams traditionally strong in the tournament, the current ranking marks a significant shift.

By the Numbers
  • Michigan, Duke, Arizona, and Iowa State are top 1-seeds.
  • Only 2 SEC teams currently rank in the top 16 for the NCAA Tournament.
Yes, But

The absence of SEC teams among the top seeds raises the question of competitiveness, as seven SEC teams advanced to the Sweet 16 last season. Despite this year's rankings, several SEC teams, such as Alabama and Arkansas, were highlighted for their strong potential, indicating that the situation may still evolve.

State of Play
  • Closing weeks of the regular season will be crucial for SEC teams to improve their standings.
  • Three SEC teams reportedly have over a 60% chance of reaching the Sweet 16.
What's Next

As the season progresses, the performance of SEC teams will determine whether they can secure higher seeds before Selection Sunday. Upsets or strong finishes in upcoming games could shift the current landscape significantly.

Bottom Line

The early selection seedings highlight a potential setback for the SEC, emphasizing the need for its teams to elevate their play to maintain historical tournament success. The current rankings suggest a competitive landscape that could dramatically change before the tournament begins.