The race for the No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament remains fluid with five weeks until Selection Sunday. A Saturday of key matchups saw Illinois fall 85-82 in overtime to Michigan State, shifting the landscape at the top of the bracket.
Bracketology Top Seeds
According to CBS Sports Bracketology, the loss dropped Illinois to a No. 2 seed, opening the door for Houston to claim the final No. 1 seed. Houston solidified its position with a 77-66 road win against No. 16 BYU, marking their best true road win of the season and improving their Quad 1 record to 6-2.
The competition for the last No. 1 seed remains tight, with UConn and Iowa State likewise firmly in contention alongside Illinois. Arizona currently leads the pack, having extended its lead in the race for the No. 1 overall seed with a 37-point victory over Oklahoma State. Arizona is currently the only unbeaten high-major team and ranks first in both Wins Above Bubble (WAB), the NET, and KenPom.
Indiana also made a significant jump in the bracketology projections, climbing comfortably into the field after an overtime win against Wisconsin. Even as Oklahoma State suffered a loss to Arizona, they remain in consideration. Seton Hall and Recent Mexico both lost on Saturday after being among the “First Four Out,” and Ohio State did not play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the shift in the No. 1 seed projections?
Illinois’ overtime loss to Michigan State opened the door for Houston to move into the final No. 1 seed position, according to CBS Sports Bracketology.
Which teams are currently projected as No. 1 seeds?
As of Sunday, February 8, 2026, Arizona, Michigan, Duke, and Houston are projected as No. 1 seeds according to CBS Sports Bracketology.
What is a Quad 1 win?
According to the source, Houston improved their Quad 1 record to 6-2 with their win over BYU. The source does not define what constitutes a Quad 1 win.
As teams approach the final weeks of the regular season, will Houston maintain its hold on the No. 1 seed, or will Illinois, UConn, or Iowa State challenge for the top spot?
