Clemson Basketball Projected for Third Straight NCAA Tournament Bid

Tigers look to enhance NCAA Tournament resume against Pitt

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:07am

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Clemson basketball is on track to make three straight NCAA tournaments for the first time under coach Brad Brownell. The No. 19 Tigers (17-4, 7-1 ACC) are ranked for the third straight week and are second in the ACC standings after dominating Georgia Tech. Clemson has won nine of its last 10 games to be projected to make March Madness again.

Why it matters

Clemson is having a strong season despite significant roster turnover, adding six transfer portal players and four freshmen to pair with three returning players. The Tigers look to enhance their NCAA Tournament resume when they host Pitt on January 31.

The details

Clemson is projected as a No. 6 seed in the latest March Madness predictions, facing either New Mexico/UCLA or USC/Texas in the opening round in Portland, Oregon. The Tigers have a 31 NET ranking and 30 KenPom ranking, with a 1-3 record in Quad 1 games, 7-1 in Quad 2, 4-0 in Quad 3, and 5-0 in Quad 4.

  • Clemson hosts Pitt on January 31 (noon ET, ACC Network).

The players

Brad Brownell

Clemson's head basketball coach, who has led the Tigers to five NCAA Tournament appearances in his 16 seasons, including four bids in the past eight seasons.

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What’s next

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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.