Florida Rises to No. 1 Seed as SEC Teams Dominate Bracketology

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida has officially claimed the No. 1 seed in the latest NCAA basketball bracket projection following a key victory against Mississippi State on Thursday, Feb. 13. This jump comes as Tennessee slides to the No. 2 seed after a loss to Kentucky.

The Gators’ ascent is significant as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) continues to assert its dominance, with seven teams currently positioned in the top 16 spots of the bracket. Five of those teams occupy the top six seeds. With such a strong showing, the SEC may face challenges in bracketing rules that prohibit teams from facing one another prior to the Final Four.

“The SEC is showcasing its depth and talent this season; it’s tough to see so many competitive teams in the same conference,” said tournament analyst Charlie Creme. “The current standings are exciting, but they also complicate the selection process.”

In the latest projection, the conference features key teams like Auburn and Alabama also holding prime positions. Kentucky’s recent win over Tennessee allowed it to move up from a No. 5 seed to a No. 3 seed. Texas, however, has dropped out of the projected bracket entirely, further emphasizing the SEC’s strength.

While Arkansas and Georgia are currently marked as among the Last Four In, they will need to improve their standings as Selection Sunday approaches on March 16, 2025. “Everyone is on high alert now; the pressure is mounting as the season progresses,” Creme added.

Among other conferences, the Big Ten stands with a strong representation of 11 teams. Indiana currently holds the last at-large bid following a decisive victory over Michigan State. The Big 12 trails with seven teams in contention.

Wake Forest is in a precarious position after a narrow defeat to Florida State, having suffered its first Quad 3 loss. The Demon Deacons’ lone Quad 1 win may not be sufficient to secure their spot. Meanwhile, New Mexico narrowly avoided a loss to Wyoming, reinforcing its position with a tight 71-68 win, as it prepares for an upcoming matchup against Utah State.

This week’s bracket reveals a shifting dynamic, with St. John's dropping off a line following a loss to Villanova. The Red Storm’s fortunes may change, depending on their performance in the NCAA Bracket Reveal Show scheduled for Saturday at 12:30 p.m. on CBS.

Thursday’s and Friday’s games lead up to the weekend’s major reveal, with Maryland facing Nebraska and Indiana hosting UCLA, which may impact upcoming bracket updates.

As the competition heats up, the rankings will soon lead to another bracket update following Saturday’s show. “We need to stay sharp and keep analyzing all the games closely; anything can happen in the final stretch of the season,” Creme cautioned.