With Selection Sunday fast approaching, the men’s college basketball bubble picture is beginning to take shape. While some teams are solidifying their tournament résumés, others are seeing their NCAA Tournament hopes slip away. Ohio State finds itself in deep trouble, while several SEC teams are making strong pushes to secure a spot in March Madness.
The Buckeyes, once seen as a potential tournament team, are now in serious jeopardy. A recent losing skid in Big Ten play has put Chris Holtmann’s squad on the wrong side of the bubble, and their margin for error is razor-thin. Their latest loss to Michigan, a team struggling at the bottom of the conference, further damaged their case.
Ohio State’s main issue has been inconsistency, particularly on offense. While they boast quality wins over ranked opponents, their overall record and lack of road victories are red flags for the selection committee. If the Buckeyes want to avoid missing the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year, they likely need a strong finish to the regular season and a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament.
While Ohio State struggles, several SEC teams are trending in the right direction. The most notable riser is Texas A&M, which has played itself back into the conversation with key conference wins. The Aggies, led by Wade Taylor IV, have impressed with their physicality and defensive intensity. A win over Tennessee last week boosted their résumé significantly.
Meanwhile, Florida and Mississippi State are also strengthening their cases. The Gators recently knocked off Alabama, giving them a signature victory to point to on Selection Sunday. Todd Golden’s squad is balanced and dangerous, but they need to avoid any bad losses down the stretch.
Mississippi State has quietly built a strong argument as well. A road win against Auburn and a competitive showing in SEC play have kept them in the mix. If they can add another Quadrant 1 victory before the conference tournament, they could solidify their at-large hopes.
With just a few games left before conference tournaments, every game matters for bubble teams. Ohio State’s path is daunting—they may need to win out and make a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament to hear their name called on Selection Sunday.
Meanwhile, SEC teams are in a much better position. If Texas A&M, Florida, or Mississippi State can finish strong, the SEC could see multiple bubble teams earn their way into March Madness.
The pressure is on, and for teams living on the bubble, the next few weeks will determine their postseason fate.
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