Wisconsin Rises to No. 3 Seed in Latest NCAA Bracketology Update

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Wisconsin’s unexpected rise to a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament’s current projections has significantly altered its postseason path. The announcement by the Division I Men’s Basketball Committee on February 15, 2025, indicated Wisconsin as the 11th overall seed, climbing from a previously projected No. 4 seed due to the losses of higher-ranked teams like Purdue and Kentucky.

As March approaches and the NCAA tournament looms, teams are rapidly adjusting their strategies. Wisconsin’s placement in the bracket allows them to select from six potential first-weekend sites, and with Marquette unable to play in their designated region, Milwaukee is a likely choice for the Badgers.

“It’s a huge advantage for us to stay close to home,” said Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard. “Our fans can travel easily, and we feel confident in our chance to advance.” If the Badgers can navigate their early matchups against teams such as Towson and either Ole Miss or UC San Diego, they could capitalize on their favorable seeding.

In this chaotic final stretch of the season, fans and analysts alike are witnessing teams shake up their rankings as they gear up for the tournament. The committee’s initial top seeds are rarely set in stone—just last season, many teams transitioned both up and down multiple seed lines, making late-season performance crucial.

The Iowa State team, which was a No. 3 seed early in 2022, ultimately fell to a No. 6 seed by the time of the tournament, demonstrating how volatile the rankings can be as teams face off in critical matchups. With a history of fluctuations influencing post-season brackets, this year’s tournament preparations will be even more pivotal.

Other teams listed in the top 16 during the reveal include perennial contenders and dark horses, but nothing is guaranteed when Selection Sunday arrives on March 16. Statistics show that several teams who have moved from outside the top 16 to secure a top-four seed in recent years have enjoyed significant success, with three of those squads advancing to national championship games.

Continual tracking of outcomes in the coming weeks will be essential, as teams jockey for position in the final push toward the tournament. The Bubble Watch highlights such critical matchups, especially for those teams on the brink of inclusion or exclusion from the tournament bracket.

“These last few weeks will reveal a lot about our potential tournament outlook,” remarked Lunardi, an expert in NCAA bracketology. “Expect the unexpected as we close out the regular season.”

Given the dynamic nature of the NCAA tournament landscape, fans should prepare for thrilling matchups that could reshape this season’s bracket entirely.