In our newest bracketology update, readers might be curious if a single conference has ever produced three No. 1 seeds in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The answer is affirmative, though this would mark a first for the SEC.

Back in 2019, the ACC achieved this feat with three top seeds: Virginia, who went on to win the championship, and the perennial powerhouses, Duke and North Carolina. This year, Duke is again projected to be a top seed, but they are now in the mix with SEC teams.

Auburn has solidified its position as a leading team since our last forecast, standing alongside Alabama and Florida, who has climbed in the rankings this week. This change comes as Iowa State falters, dropping from a No. 1 seat due to three consecutive losses amidst injury struggles.

Retaining their high ranks in this fiercely competitive league as Selection Sunday approaches in just over a month could prove challenging. However, the SEC boasts several other strong contenders, including Tennessee—now back to a No. 2 seed after defeating Florida recently.

Overall, the SEC claims seven teams seeded No. 4 or higher in our projections. Following them, the Big 12 has four teams among the top 16, with three from the Big Ten and one each from the ACC and Big East.

On the topic of the Big 12, Houston holds firm as a No. 2 seed alongside a declining Iowa State, while Texas Tech climbs into a top 16 spot after securing a win against the Cougars away from home.

Bracketology: Projection for the NCAA Tournament field

Last four teams in

Ohio State, Brigham Young, Nebraska, Pittsburgh.

First four teams out

Wake Forest, Virginia Commonwealth, Xavier, North Carolina.

Conference breakdown of NCAA Tournament bids

Conferences with multiple bids: SEC (13), Big Ten (10), Big 12 (8), ACC (4), Big East (4), Mountain West (3), West Coast (2).