Big 12 Flexing Its Muscle in Latest Bracketology

Conference has several top teams in the latest NCAA Tournament projections

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Big 12 conference has emerged as one of the strongest in college basketball this season, with several teams firmly entrenched in the latest Bracketology projections. Nebraska, Texas Tech, Kansas, and BYU are all playing excellent basketball and look poised to make deep tournament runs. Meanwhile, other top teams like Arizona, Houston, and Iowa State continue to maintain their elite status.

Why it matters

The strength of the Big 12 this season could have major implications for the NCAA Tournament. With so many highly-ranked teams from the conference, it will be a battle to earn high seeds and favorable matchups. The depth of the Big 12 also means teams will have to navigate a gauntlet of tough games just to make the tournament, let alone advance deep into March Madness.

The details

Nebraska is the lone undefeated team remaining, sitting at 20-0 and ranked 5th in the country. They face a huge test this week against Michigan. Texas Tech, Kansas, and BYU are also playing excellent basketball and have solidified themselves as top teams. Meanwhile, traditional powers like Arizona, Houston, and Iowa State continue to dominate and look like potential #1 seeds.

  • The latest Bracketology projections were released on January 27, 2026.
  • Nebraska faces Michigan on January 27, 2026 in a key matchup of top teams.
  • Several key Big 12 vs. Big Ten matchups are scheduled for the final week of January, including Michigan at Michigan State on January 30 and Illinois at Nebraska on February 1.

The players

Fred Hoiberg

The head coach of the undefeated Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Grant McCasland

The head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, one of the hottest teams in the country.

Mark Few

The head coach of the Gonzaga Bulldogs, who are set to face rival Saint Mary's on January 31.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Big 12 has arguably been the most impressive conference during the first month of conference play, as the top of the league looks like the class of college basketball so far.”

— Troy Finnegan, Author (ClutchPoints)

“This will be a good barometer for Mark Few and company.”

— Troy Finnegan, Author (ClutchPoints)

What’s next

The next few weeks will be crucial for the top teams in the Big 12 as they face off against each other and other top programs from around the country. Key matchups like Nebraska vs. Michigan, BYU vs. Kansas, and Texas Tech vs. UCF will help separate the contenders from the pretenders.

The takeaway

The Big 12 has emerged as the premier conference in college basketball this season, with several teams looking like potential Final Four contenders. The depth and quality of the league will make it a battle to earn high seeds and favorable tournament matchups, but it should also produce some of the most exciting games leading up to March Madness.