The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is on track to have a record-breaking 14 teams in the men’s NCAA Tournament field this year, with Arkansas’ continued rise fueling hopes of an SEC dominance that could see all four No. 1 seeds from the league. This scenario would be unprecedented in college basketball history, as it has never happened before. The SEC’s top two teams, Alabama and Auburn, are currently ranked No. 1 and No. 2 respectively in both the Associated Press and coaches polls. A matchup between these two powerhouses on Saturday could provide a glimpse into whether all four of the league’s top seeds can achieve this feat.
The SEC has already seen significant success this season, with Florida’s recent win over Auburn and Duke’s loss at Clemson providing brief permission to explore such a fantasy scenario. KenPom’s game-by-game predictions suggest that Duke will likely emerge as one of the top seeds, but what if an optimal performance from Illinois or UNC-Duke in their upcoming games could upset this narrative? The outcome of these matchups will have significant implications for the NCAA Tournament field and the potential for all four No. 1 seeds to be from the SEC.
For the selection committee, the possibility of four No. 1 seeds from one league would be a daunting task. However, the current trend suggests that teams like Alabama and Auburn are strong contenders for the top line, with each team having a legitimate chance at making a deep run in the tournament. If the next few weeks go according to plan, the SEC could settle for a dozen teams in the field rather than its goal of 14, but it would still be an impressive achievement.
This season’s SEC has been marked by intense competition and a high level of performance from top teams, with Alabama and Auburn currently holding down the top two spots. A matchup between these two powerhouses on Saturday could provide insight into whether the league can achieve its goal of having all four No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament field.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6127109/2025/02/11/ncaa-tournament-bracket-projections-alabama-auburn