🏀 📈 Bracketology 2026 - A quick and preliminary look at the earliest look at March's bracket and Bama's NET ranking (w/opponents.)

[TerryP]

As mentioned, last season there was a total of 186 brackets we kept track of from Jan through March Madness. As of today, there are 48 brackets published. In those, the worst seeding for the Tide is at #5, the best is as a #2 seed.

Bracket Matrix	NCAA NET Rankings
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[TerryP]

A few notes:

Jerry Palm left his position with CBS. He's been a big name in the industry for March Madness. I don't know if he's landed anywhere for this season. I do know I won't be referring to his bracket thoughts. He ranked 179th out of 186 in accuracy last season.

Don't begin to think, "but we have Lundardi." He was better but still ended up having 124 bracketologist do a better job last season.

I'll try to keep NET and Matrix rankings current from week to week.

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If you have missed it, Bama opens up SEC play the 3rd against UK (ESPN broadcast at noon.) UK is currently a Q1 opponent.

Here's a look at where this seasons opponents currently ranked in the NET: those Bama has played and those on the schedule.

Look at all these Q1 teams!!! UofSC is playing pretty good ball. They won't remain a Q3.

 

[Bammerboy321]

Really hope Maryland can do better and improve to Q2.

Right now, with Alabama's limitations inside, I'd wager we finish top 4 in the SEC with a 3-4 seed in the NCAAT. Wouldn't be bad at all.

 

[Bammerboy321]

UofSC is playing pretty good ball. They won't remain a Q3.

View attachment 33676

Are you referencing South Carolina playing good ball? Because it is quite the opposite. They had two tune-up games before conference play before losing to Clemson. Just a month ago, they lost a tough one to Virginia Tech.

I've watched them some this season and it looks like a lot of the same issues that has persisted under Paris.

 

[TerryP]

Are you referencing South Carolina playing good ball?

Yes. I'll stand by that. I'm not expecting them to compete for the SEC, by any means. I do expect them to show up a few times and shock some people.

I've watched them some this season and it looks like a lot of the same issues

Unfortunately, so have I. I don't see it that way (not that it matters.) As one example, they aren't doing as well as Bama and UArk with TO percentage...but they are top five SEC, I'm sure. They aren't any good on the boards: O or D. But, that's an area I believe they can improve.

--- Understand, there's a standing rule at my house. Or, a few, but ... for another day.

IF someone comes in and decides to turn a ball game on? I NEVER have any issues UNLESS I'm already watching a different game. So, that's left me with UofSC games on the TV a few times already.

HOWEVER, that comes with a caveat with my UofSC friends. I will physically throw you out of my house if you turn to UofSC WBB.

 

[TerryP]

@Bammerboy321 I'm trying to make sure I'm right here. I know I haven't seen A&M or Mizzou this season. I've only seen a bit of State. I've seen bits and pieces of several games with teams like OU, Texas, LSU. I'm pretty confident I've seen at least one entire game with the rest of the conference.

Right now, here's where I see the SEC in "TerryP's Power Rankings."

1. Vandy
2. Bama
3. UT
4. UF
5. UArk
6. UK
7. UGA (they are going on runs this season as good as anyone.)
8. LSU
9. AU
10. A&M (based on numbers and schedule results)
11. TX
12. Mizzou (see A&M)
13. OU
14. Ole Miss
15. UofSC
16. State

 

[Bammerboy321]

@Bammerboy321 I'm trying to make sure I'm right here. I know I haven't seen A&M or Mizzou this season. I've only seen a bit of State. I've seen bits and pieces of several games with teams like OU, Texas, LSU. I'm pretty confident I've seen at least one entire game with the rest of the conference.

Right now, here's where I see the SEC in "TerryP's Power Rankings."

1. Vandy
2. Bama
3. UT
4. UF
5. UArk
6. UK
7. UGA (they are going on runs this season as good as anyone.)
8. LSU
9. AU
10. A&M (based on numbers and schedule results)
11. TX
12. Mizzou (see A&M)
13. OU
14. Ole Miss
15. UofSC
16. State

It's tough to gauge right now. I'm not completely on the Vandy bandwagon as of yet. Byington is a really good HC but Vandy's schedule has been very To me, Florida has looked the best despite not picking up any elite wins. Their games vs UConn and Arizona were absolute wars, and a display of tough basketball that just didn't bounce their way.

I'd put Mizzou way down there with Mississippi State. They have been downright awful and have gotten their shit pushed by every team with a pulse. Their game vs Notre Dame was legit some of the worst basketball ever. Aggies are in transition mode, coming from Buzz's archaic offense to Bucky Ball. I think they're somewhat similar to the issues Oats was dealing with in his first season. Could be a team to watch out for mid-conference play if their team starts to gel.

I'd swap auburn and UGA, but it's close. This weekend will be interesting. I don't trust Mike White at all; I don't trust Pearl. However, I do trust auburn's roster more than UGAs.

My rankings would go like this:

1) Florida
2) Arkansas
3) Tennessee
4) Alabama
5) Vandy
6) UK
7) auburn
8) OU
9) UGA
10) Texas
11) Texas A&M
12) LSU
13) South Carolina
14) Ole Miss
15) Mizzou
16) Mississippi State

Will be an interesting year in the SEC. Definitely seems like a down year though, compared to the last two seasons.

 

[TerryP]

It's tough to gauge right now. I'm not completely on the Vandy bandwagon as of yet.

My rankings would go like this:

That should be "My projections would go like this."

Vandy:

Look at FG percentage within the conference (based on OOC play.) FGD is 2nd best, FGO is #1. They are top five in TOO and TOD. ORB and DRB, top five.

Since we were talking about UofSC earlier and now Vandy. The 'Dores are on the road. After this game is over look at Vandy and defensive boards. My gut tells me that's the difference. UofSC isn't close to the top of the conference in FG percentages. There's not a lot of difference in the conference leader: five percentage points, maybe six.

 

[Bammerboy321]

That should be "My projections would go like this."

Vandy:

Look at FG percentage within the conference (based on OOC play.) FGD is 2nd best, FGO is #1. They are top five in TOO and TOD. ORB and DRB, top five.

Since we were talking about UofSC earlier and now Vandy. The 'Dores are on the road. After this game is over look at Vandy and defensive boards. My gut tells me that's the difference. UofSC isn't close to the top of the conference in FG percentages. There's not a lot of difference in the conference leader: five percentage points, maybe six.

I think Vandy is definitely legit but I'm not ready to projecy them as rhe #1 team in the SEC just yet. Especially considering they have played a combined 5 Q4 opponents (Alabama has played 2).

I do trust Byington as a coach though.

 

[TerryP]

I think Vandy is definitely legit but I'm not ready to projecy them as rhe #1 team in the SEC just yet. Especially considering they have played a combined 5 Q4 opponents (Alabama has played 2).

I do trust Byington as a coach though.

Power Rankings. Not SEC projections. Present vs future.

There is no debate where Vandy sits today.

(If you take tempo out of the game—which directly affects possessions—and look at it from that perspective? UGA and A&M are top ten teams.)

 

[mando]

Well we are about to find out about Vandy/Bama on Wednesday....

 

[TerryP]

Well we are about to find out about Vandy/Bama on Wednesday....

More than likely not.

Hopefully Sherrells knee bruise has healed up enough he can go. I imagine Allen is going to held back a bit this week for recooperation. Vandy was without two in their backcourt yesterday. Will they be ready to go?

In my opinion no one in the conference holds a stronger home court advantage than Vandy. Personally, anything that happens in that gym? More often than not it doesn't tell the entire picture.

Cal was talking about one of the best things about this season, after yesterday, for UArk was they wouldn't have to face Tennessee again this season. While UArk hosted UT, UA is in a similar situation only playing Vandy once this season.

(I could easily see the conference tournament semi's having all four teams.)

 

[TerryP]

Seven more brackets published this week. Bama projected seeding hasn't changed.

The Tide moves up one to #13 in the NET.