Joe Lunardi Bracketology 2026 Latest Bracket, Bubble Teams, Conference Breakdown

The 2026 men's NCAA tournament is drawing closer.

ESPN's Joe Lunardi provided a bracketology update for his projected 68-team field heading into Friday's action as Duke, Michigan, Arizona and UConn remained the four top-seeded teams.

Among the teams on the bubble, California, Ohio State, New Mexico and USC were listed as the "first four out."

TCU, Auburn, Santa Clara and Indiana were listed as the "last four in" the field.

Ohio State sat at 15-7 through Feb. 5, although the Buckeyes' March Madness future became murky when they went on to lose four of their next six games. This includes a lopsided 74-57 defeat at the hands of Iowa on Wednesday.

USC appeared to be on the path towards securing a tournament spot after opening the year with an 18-6 record, but the Trojans are currently riding a four-game losing streak.

They had a chance to improve their March Madness outlook during a matchup with Illinois on Feb. 18, but ended up suffering a 101-65 blowout loss at home.

TCU has been trending in the opposite direction recently and could earn a spot in the 68-team field because of it. The Horned Frogs sit at 18-10 overall and own a 5-1 mark over their past six contests.

TCU picked up a statement win against Iowa State on Feb. 10, coming back from a 55-50 deficit late in the second half to finish with a 62-55 victory.

While Auburn owns a 15-13 record and has dropped six of its past seven games, the Tigers' string of imposing opponents could be enough for them to earn a spot in the NCAA tournament.

Auburn owns the toughest strength of schedule in the country, per KenPom. Head coach Steven Pearl's squad has also tallied impressive wins over schools such as Florida and Kentucky as of late.

The Tigers are one of 11 SEC teams projected to earn March Madness bids, the most of any conference.

The Big Ten ranks No. 2 with nine schools projected to earn tournament spots, while the ACC and Big 12 both have eight teams in the bracket.