Bruce Pearl Questions Whether Undefeated Miami (Ohio) Is Best in MAC

Former Auburn coach says Akron may be the top team in the conference despite Miami's perfect record.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Former Auburn Tigers men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl expressed doubts about whether the undefeated Miami (Ohio) RedHawks are truly the best team in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), suggesting that the Akron Zips may be the conference's top squad despite Miami's perfect 30-0 record. Pearl praised Miami head coach Travis Steele's work with the mid-major program, but questioned whether the RedHawks' resume is strong enough to warrant an at-large NCAA Tournament bid if they fail to win the MAC's automatic bid.

Why it matters

This debate over whether Miami (Ohio) or Akron is the MAC's top team highlights the challenges of evaluating mid-major programs for NCAA Tournament selection, as their resumes may not stack up against power conference teams despite strong records. It also raises questions about how the selection committee should weigh factors like strength of schedule, close wins, and undefeated records when determining the field.

The details

The RedHawks moved to 30-0 on Tuesday night and clinched a share of the MAC regular-season title. However, seven of their wins were by three points or fewer, and three came in overtime. Miami has not played against any ranked opponents. In contrast, Akron is 25-5 with a 16-1 MAC record and has played against one top 25 team, losing to No. 2 Purdue. Pearl believes Akron's tougher schedule and slightly better size may make them the true best team in the conference.

  • On Tuesday night, Miami (Ohio) moved to 30-0 and clinched a share of the MAC regular-season title.
  • Miami has one more regular-season game scheduled before the conference tournament begins.

The players

Bruce Pearl

Former head coach of the Auburn Tigers men's basketball team.

Travis Steele

Head coach of the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks men's basketball team.

Miami (Ohio) RedHawks

The undefeated men's basketball team from Miami University in Ohio, currently ranked No. 19 in the nation.

Akron Zips

The men's basketball team from the University of Akron, who have a 25-5 record and a 16-1 conference record in the MAC.

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What they’re saying

“What Miami of Ohio has done has been unbelievable, and the questions start this way, 'Are we choosing the 37 best at-large teams or are we choosing the 37 most deserving?' Miami of Ohio is one of the most deserving to get into the NCAA Tournament. Do I think they're one of the best 37 teams? I don't. That's my opinion and it's not personal.”

— Bruce Pearl, Former Auburn Tigers Head Coach (OutKick)

“Look, that's what makes part of this time of the year so much fun. We're entitled to our opinions and, of course, they'll get an opportunity to play it out on the court. I think Travis Steele has done an incredible job. I think to bring it every single night and win all those close games – what a season, what chemistry. But I'm not sure that Akron isn't the best team in the MAC at the end of the day.”

— Bruce Pearl, Former Auburn Tigers Head Coach (OutKick)

What’s next

The rest of the season still has to play out, with Miami (Ohio) having one more regular-season game before the conference tournament begins. The potential matchup between Miami and Akron in the MAC tournament could determine which team is truly the best in the conference.

The takeaway

This debate over Miami (Ohio)'s resume versus Akron's highlights the challenges mid-major programs face in earning at-large NCAA Tournament bids, even when posting impressive undefeated records. The selection committee's criteria of choosing the 'best' versus 'most deserving' teams remains a point of contention, with experts like Bruce Pearl questioning whether the RedHawks have truly proven themselves against top competition.