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Evaluating which teams can still earn 1-seed in 2026 NCAA Tournament
A look at which teams are close to securing a 1-seed in March Madness, and which teams still have a path to reach the elite group.
Feb. 26, 2026 at 6:53pm
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As the 2026 NCAA Tournament approaches, the race for the four coveted 1-seed spots is heating up. While Arizona, Duke, and Michigan have emerged as near-locks for the top seeds, other teams like UConn, Purdue, Houston, Iowa State, and Florida are still in contention to earn a 1-seed. The article breaks down the current resumes of these teams and their chances of securing a 1-seed by Selection Sunday.
Why it matters
Earning a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament is highly coveted, as it comes with significant advantages such as facing weaker opponents in the early rounds and playing in the preferred destination for traveling fans. Teams are working hard to secure these top spots, and the final weeks of the regular season and conference tournaments will be crucial in determining which squads land the elite 1-seed designations.
The details
Arizona, Duke, and Michigan have emerged as the clear frontrunners for 1-seed spots, each boasting impressive 26-2 overall records and dominant performances in the quadrant system. UConn and Purdue have also built strong resumes worthy of 1-seed consideration, while Houston, Iowa State, and Florida remain as darkhorse candidates that would need some help from teams above them to make a late push.
- The NCAA Tournament will take place in March 2026.
- The regular season is winding down, with conference tournaments set to begin in early March.
The players
Bruce Pearl
Head coach of the Auburn Tigers men's basketball team.
Cameron Boozer
National Player of the Year frontrunner and star player for the Duke Blue Devils.
Todd Golden
Head coach of the Florida Gators men's basketball team.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee
What’s next
The final weeks of the regular season and conference tournaments will be crucial in determining which teams secure the four coveted 1-seed spots in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
The takeaway
The race for 1-seeds in the 2026 NCAA Tournament is wide open, with several teams jockeying for position. While Arizona, Duke, and Michigan have emerged as the frontrunners, other squads like UConn, Purdue, Houston, Iowa State, and Florida still have a path to earn a top seed if they can finish the regular season and conference tournaments strong.
