Kentucky, Kansas, Michigan State Projected Top NCAA Seeds in 2026 Bracketology

ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi's recent projections for the 2025-26 NCAA basketball season highlight several key teams and their tournament outlooks. Kentucky, coached by Mark Pope, is projected as a No. 3 seed in the West Region, with a potential Sweet 16 matchup against BYU, and the SEC is expected to send a record-tying 14 teams to the tournament. Kansas is forecasted as a No. 6 seed in the West, boosted by incoming freshman Darryn Peterson and new transfers, aiming to improve after early March exits. Michigan State is projected as a No. 5 seed in the East Region, continuing momentum from last season's Big Ten title and Elite Eight appearance. Texas A&M, under new coach Bucky McMillan, is on the tournament bubble, placed in the "First Four" play-in game, reflecting the SEC's competitive depth and the team's transitional phase. Overall, these projections underscore a strong SEC presence and highlight key players and coaching changes shaping the upcoming college basketball season.