Most coaches nationwide will claim that their team’s ranking isn’t important, but when it comes to the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, that number can determine whether a team has an early exit or makes it to the Final Four.

Having one of the top seeds doesn’t guarantee a national championship, but it certainly helps. The higher-seeded teams typically get to play closer to home, allowing for greater fan support, and they might also face more favorable matchups compared to teams that are stuck playing tough opponents. As the tournament approaches, teams are competing for the best positions to increase their chances of success in March.

Making it into the tournament is just the beginning; securing a favorable route to the Final Four is a different hurdle entirely. Here’s a look at the teams that are currently improving their standings in the latest YSL News Sports Bracketology and those that are slipping down the rankings.

Rising:

Florida

Current projected seed: No. 1 (West)

Florida has become the third SEC team slated for a top seed, and their performance justifies this recognition. While they did suffer a tough 20-point loss to a weakened Tennessee squad, the Gators have navigated their conference schedule well and have already secured a win against the Volunteers. A strong performance on the road against Auburn this Saturday can further bolster their case.

Texas A&M

Current projected seed: No. 3 (Midwest)

Texas A&M is in a multi-team battle for a double-bye in the SEC tournament as they pile up valuable Quad 1 victories—seven in total, which ranks fourth nationwide. They have performed well recently, winning four out of their last five games, with their only loss coming from a last-second play against Texas. With an easier part of the schedule ahead, the Aggies have a chance to maintain their momentum.

Texas Tech

Current projected seed: No. 4 (Midwest)

Texas Tech is currently the hottest team in the Big 12 with seven straight victories, including a win against Houston last weekend. Now positioned at No. 8 in the NET rankings, the Red Raiders have bounced back from early season struggles, boasting key victories against both Arizona and Houston, the top two teams in the conference.

St. John’s

Current projected seed: No. 6 (East)

Leading the Big East is St. John’s, thanks to Coach Rick Pitino. With an impressive 11-1 record in the conference and a nine-game winning streak— the longest for the program since 1984-85—the Red Storm recently expressed their strength with a significant win against Marquette. With 20 wins under their belt, St. John’s can enhance their position by making the most of upcoming Quad 1 opportunities, despite having only two wins in that category.

Arizona

Current projected seed: No. 4 (East)

Surprisingly, Arizona is in contention for a Big 12 title after a shaky 4-5 start. They have turned things around with a record of 12-1 since then, accumulating five Quad 1 victories. After a thrilling overtime game against Iowa State, Arizona has set itself up for a top four seed and a strong chance to play out West during the tournament’s first weekend.

UCLA

Current projected seed: No. 9 (West)

After struggling in early January, UCLA has bounced back to secure a spot as a single-digit seed through a six-game winning streak, with their most recent success against Michigan State, a leading team in the Big Ten. The Bruins have revitalized their offense and are contending for a double-bye in their conference tournament.

Falling

Iowa State

Current projected seed: No. 2 (West)

Since Caleb Love hit a buzzer-beater against them, Iowa State has been on a downward trend. They were defeated in their last three outings, including a home loss to Kansas State and a lackluster performance against Kansas. This streak has caused them to drop from the No. 1 seed conversation, and they need to bounce back quickly to regain their standing.

Oregon

Current projected seed: No. 6 (West)

Oregon had a strong start to the season with a 9-0 record and five Quad 1 victories, but they have faltered recently in their first season in the Big Ten, losing three straight and four of their last five. Their recent losses include a defeat by Minnesota and significant setbacks against UCLA and Nebraska. Despite having eight Quad 1 victories, they do not appear to be in shape for a top 16 seed.

Connecticut

Current projected seed: No. 8 (South)

Connecticut is known for their unpredictability. Some days they excel, like when they secure a tough win over Marquette, and other times, they falter, as seen in their loss to Xavier. However, their inconsistency is sending them spiraling with less and less chance of making it past the first weekend. Freshman forward Liam McNeeley is expected to return, which the team hopes will help bring stability.

Mississippi State

Current projected seed: No. 5 (East)

The demanding SEC schedule is wearing on Mississippi State, leading them to drop from the projected top 16. They have lost three of their last four games, struggling particularly in a 27-point loss to Missouri, which has put pressure on their performance overall.

North Carolina

Current projected seed: First four out

Tradition can only carry a team so far. North Carolina is slipping out of tournament contention after losing four out of five games, including some baffling defeats. While a loss to a strong Duke team was expected, their home loss to Stanford and a collapse in Pittsburgh were surprising. With a troubling 1-9 record in Quad 1 games, their postseason hopes are dimming.