Bracketology: Alabama, Nebraska and Texas Tech each drop in NCAA Tournament projection after losses
CBS Sports
by
David Cobb
March 4, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
College basketball fans are seeing significant shifts at the top of the NCAA Tournament bracket following Tuesday's games. Alabama, Nebraska, and Texas Tech each dropped from the No. 3 seed line to No. 4 after their losses, creating opportunities for Gonzaga, Iowa State, and Virginia to rise into the No. 3 position. This tight competition in the 2-4 seed range highlights how teams' performances can quickly change their standings just weeks before Selection Sunday.
The movement at the top of the bracket is not over yet. Wednesday’s games, particularly those involving Houston (No. 7) and Purdue (No. 15), could lead to further shifts. A potential loss by Houston, currently a No. 2 seed, might push them closer to the No. 4 line. Similarly, Purdue, seeded third, faces pressure after a two-game slide and could drop if they lose to Northwestern.
Bracketology also reveals challenges for teams on the bubble. Georgia made a significant leap from a No. 9 to a No. 7 seed after a strong win over Alabama, while TCU is solidifying its place in the bracket with an upset of Texas Tech. Teams like Texas A&M and UCLA also saw their wins as crucial steps toward securing a spot in the tournament.
The NCAA Tournament Selection Committee faces the ongoing challenge of avoiding unnecessary rematches between teams that have already played each other during the regular season. While some matchups are permitted, especially in earlier rounds if teams only met once before, the committee aims to minimize conference and non-conference rematch scenarios to ensure fairness and excitement for fans.
This volatility at the top of the bracket underscores how every game can impact a team's seeding and tournament trajectory. With just over a week until Selection Sunday, teams like Illinois (currently a No. 2 seed) are in a strong position but must maintain their performance to avoid drops. The
Verticals
sports
Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/4/2026