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UConn Rises to No. 2 Seed in Latest Bracketology
Huskies avoid tougher Houston Cougars region in NCAA Tournament projections
Feb. 21, 2026 at 6:03pm
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After a home loss to Creighton earlier this week, the UConn Huskies have dropped from a No. 1 seed to a No. 2 seed in the latest NCAA Tournament bracketology projections. However, the Huskies are now slotted in the Duke region, which is seen as a more favorable matchup than the Houston Cougars region they were previously projected for.
Why it matters
The Huskies have struggled against the Houston Cougars in the past when both teams were in the American Athletic Conference. Being placed in the Duke region gives UConn a better chance of advancing deeper into the tournament, as they would likely have an easier path to the Elite Eight by facing Duke instead of the tough Houston squad.
The details
In the latest bracketology from ESPN's Joe Lunardi, the UConn Huskies have fallen from a No. 1 seed to a No. 2 seed after their home loss to Creighton. However, the Huskies are now projected to be in the Duke region, which is seen as a more favorable matchup than the Houston Cougars region they were previously slotted for. The Huskies have struggled against Houston and head coach Kelvin Sampson in the past, so avoiding that potential matchup in the tournament is a big boost for their chances of advancing.
- On February 18, 2026, the UConn Huskies lost at home to the Creighton Bluejays.
- On February 21, 2026, ESPN's Joe Lunardi released his latest NCAA Tournament bracketology projections.
The players
Dan Hurley
Head coach of the UConn Huskies basketball team.
Kelvin Sampson
Head coach of the Houston Cougars basketball team, known for his success against UConn in the past.
Tarris Reed Jr.
A key player for the UConn Huskies.
Braylon Mullins
A key player for the UConn Huskies.
Joe Lunardi
ESPN college basketball analyst and bracketology expert.
What they’re saying
“A lot of people think the Huskies would be in the Houston Cougars region, but right now, being in Duke's region is way better than being in Houston's.”
— Joe Lunardi, ESPN college basketball analyst
What’s next
The Huskies will look to bounce back from their loss to Creighton and secure a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. Their placement in the Duke region will be crucial as they aim to advance deep into the tournament.
The takeaway
While the Huskies have dropped from a No. 1 seed to a No. 2 seed in the latest bracketology projections, their placement in the Duke region is seen as a more favorable matchup than the Houston Cougars region they were previously slotted for. This gives the Huskies a better chance of advancing to the Elite Eight and potentially beyond in the NCAA Tournament.
