2026 NCAA Tournament Projections: Has UConn Locked Up the Final No. 1 Seed? As the NCAA Tournament approaches, the race for the final No. 1 seed has taken a decisive turn. UConn’s dominant 72-40 victory over St. John’s on Wednesday night has shifted the narrative, with the Huskies now positioned as strong contenders for the fourth and final top seed. The win, which ended St. John’s 13-game winning streak and marked the most lopsided loss in Rick Pitino’s tenure at the program, has bolstered UConn’s case for a No. 1 seed. Previously, Duke, Michigan, and Arizona were seen as the clear-cut top seeds, leaving UConn as the final team in contention. However, the Huskies’ performance has added momentum to their bid, raising questions about whether the race is already decided. With Selection Sunday less than a month away, the final rankings could still shift, but UConn’s recent form has made them a formidable candidate. FOX Sports’ bracket forecaster Mike DeCourcy has outlined his latest projections, highlighting the evolving landscape of the tournament. According to his analysis, Indiana, TCU, Santa Clara, and VCU are currently on the bubble, while Auburn, San Diego State, Virginia Tech, and USC are projected to be excluded. The SEC leads all conferences with 10 teams, followed by the Big Ten and ACC, each with nine representatives. The Big 12 has eight teams, while the Big East and West Coast Conference each have three. The A-10 contributes two teams. The Midwest region remains a focal point, with DeCourcy’s projections emphasizing the competition for at-large bids. The Big Ten, in particular, has seen a surge in teams vying for inclusion, creating a tight race for the final spots. Meanwhile, the top seeds are largely set, with Duke, Michigan, and Arizona securing their positions. UConn’s inclusion as the fourth No.#uconn #ncaa_tournament #st_johns #rick_pitino #mike_decourcy
