Bubble Watch 2026: ACC Resurgence Fuels Tournament Hopes

The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament bubble is heating up as February progresses, with Selection Sunday still over a month away. The Atlantic Coast Conference is experiencing a notable resurgence this season, contributing a substantial number of teams to the bubble picture. In contrast, the Big East conference appears to be struggling, with projections suggesting it may only secure three bids this year. Teams such as Kentucky and Indiana have significantly improved their standing in recent weeks, demonstrating how quickly fortunes can change. More than five weeks remain until the official bracket is revealed, ensuring that the race for at-large bids will remain dynamic. Several teams, including Clemson, Louisville, and California, are actively working to strengthen their resumes in the crucial closing weeks. NC State and Miami (FL) are among the teams with opportunities to accumulate vital wins in their upcoming schedules. In the Big 12, UCF, Oklahoma State, and TCU are positioned in varying stages of at-large contention. The Big Ten conference has several teams in the mix, with Indiana and Iowa showing strong metrics despite limited top-tier wins. SEC teams like Alabama, Arkansas, and Auburn are battling for tournament berths, with challenging schedules ahead for many. In the West Coast Conference, Saint Louis is in excellent shape, while teams like Gonzaga are already considered locks. Other conferences are also represented on the bubble, with teams like VCU and Utah State looking to impress the selection committee.