UConn Loses No. 1 Seed Spot in Latest Bracketology

Huskies drop after loss to Marquette, as Florida surges into top line

Mar. 8, 2026 at 9:37pm

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The race for the final No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament took a turn on Saturday, as UConn slipped off the No. 1 line in ESPN analyst Joe Lunardi's latest bracketology update after a disappointing performance against Marquette. Meanwhile, Florida surged into that spot following an impressive road win over Kentucky, despite losing to the Huskies earlier in the season.

Why it matters

UConn entered the weekend in strong position as the top projected No. 2 seed, but the Huskies' loss to Marquette significantly weakened their argument for a No. 1 seed. Florida's dominant SEC regular season and recent win over Kentucky have now given the Gators the edge over UConn in Lunardi's projections, setting up a potential battle for the final No. 1 seed heading into the conference tournaments.

The details

The Huskies scored a season-low 62 points in the loss to Marquette, while the Gators capped their dominant SEC regular season with a win over Kentucky. Florida has now won 11 straight in SEC play, compared to UConn's 9-3 record in the same stretch. Lunardi said the Huskies can still reclaim a No. 1 seed if they dominate the Big East Tournament and get some help, but the debate is far from settled.

  • On Saturday, UConn lost to Marquette.
  • Florida beat Kentucky on the road.

The players

Joe Lunardi

ESPN analyst who provides bracketology updates.

UConn

A college basketball team that was previously in contention for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Florida

A college basketball team that has surged into contention for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“If UConn runs the table in the Big East, presumably beating St. John's in the rubber match at Madison Square Garden, and Florida doesn't make the SEC final, then we have a conversation again.”

— Joe Lunardi, ESPN analyst

What’s next

Both UConn and Florida earned quarterfinal byes in their conference tournaments, meaning strong showings next week could still reshape the NCAA Tournament's top seed line before the dust settles.

The takeaway

This case highlights the fluid nature of NCAA Tournament seeding, with teams jockeying for position until the final selections are made. UConn and Florida's performances in their respective conference tournaments will be crucial in determining which team claims the final No. 1 seed.