Arizona Stumbles, Florida Continues Rise in Latest Bracketology

Michigan overtakes Arizona as No. 1 overall seed as Gators climb up the rankings.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The latest Bracketology update from ClutchPoints sees some major shakeups at the top, with previously unbeaten Arizona taking two losses in the Big 12 and dropping from the No. 1 overall seed. That allows Michigan to move up to the top line, while Florida continues its impressive rise up the rankings with wins over Georgia and Kentucky.

Why it matters

The changes at the top of the bracket have major implications for the NCAA Tournament, as the No. 1 overall seed and top regional seeds are highly coveted positions. Arizona's stumbles open the door for other contenders like Michigan and Florida to potentially earn a No. 1 seed, which can significantly impact their path to the Final Four.

The details

Arizona took its first two losses of the season, falling to Kansas and Texas Tech in the Big 12. That was enough to drop the Wildcats from the No. 1 overall seed, which now belongs to Michigan. Meanwhile, Florida has been the hottest team in the nation, with impressive wins over Georgia and Kentucky propelling the Gators up a seed line. The Gators now have elite size, a strong defense, and improved guard play, cementing their status as a true national title contender.

  • On Monday, February 16, Houston will visit Iowa State.
  • On Tuesday, February 17, Michigan will travel to Purdue and North Carolina will face NC State.
  • On Wednesday, February 18, BYU will host Arizona and Arkansas will visit Alabama.
  • On Saturday, February 21, Miami will play at Virginia, Tennessee will face Vanderbilt, Arizona will visit Houston, Michigan will take on Duke in Washington D.C., and Iowa State will travel to BYU.

The players

Michigan

The new No. 1 overall seed in the latest Bracketology, replacing the previously unbeaten Arizona Wildcats.

Florida

The Gators have been the hottest team in the nation, with impressive wins over Georgia and Kentucky propelling them up a seed line in the latest bracket projections.

Arizona

The previously unbeaten Wildcats took their first two losses of the season, falling to Kansas and Texas Tech in the Big 12, causing them to drop from the No. 1 overall seed.

Kelvin Sampson

The head coach of the Houston Cougars, who have quietly emerged as a top contender in the Big 12 and are set for a crucial week with games against Iowa State and Arizona.

Caleb Wilson

The star freshman for North Carolina, who suffered a broken hand and will miss time for the Tar Heels, who have a tough upcoming test against NC State.

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What they’re saying

“Arizona's two losses last week put Kelvin Sampson and the Cougars at the top spot in the conference with three weeks to go. A massive week lies ahead for the defending national runner-up: a road test against Iowa State on Monday night before the Cougars welcome Arizona to the Fertitta Center on Saturday. A pair of wins there should have Sampson and company on the one line next week.”

— Troy Finnegan, Author (ClutchPoints)

“North Carolina lost star freshman Caleb Wilson to a broken hand during a loss to Miami on Tuesday night. That loss alone wasn't enough to drop the Tar Heels off of the five line, but now a UNC team that has struggled on the road all season in conference play has a tough test coming on Tuesday night against another tournament team in NC State.”

— Troy Finnegan, Author (ClutchPoints)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.