March Madness Bubble Watch: Latest Predictions Made

Every year around this time, Bracketology takes center stage, with analysts and fans trying to predict which teams will secure a spot in March Madness and which will be left on the outside looking in. While some tournament bids are locked up and conference tournaments will finalize the auto-qualifiers, there are always a handful of bubble teams fighting for their lives in these final weeks.

As we approach Selection Sunday, let’s take a closer look at some of the most intriguing bubble teams with two weeks to go – who’s rising, who’s fading, and who’s still in limbo.

Prediction: IN

Not long ago, Georgia looked dead in the water. Their 5-10 stretch between January and February—including a tough loss to fellow bubble team Arkansas—made it seem like they were playing themselves out of the tournament entirely.

But here’s why they’re still in the mix:

Strength of schedule: The Bulldogs’ struggles came mostly against ranked SEC opponents, giving them a solid resume despite the losses.
Recent statement wins: They’ve turned the tide at the right time, knocking off top-5 Florida and dismantling Texas – another bubble team.

With two regular-season games left, both in the SEC, Georgia has a real shot at locking in a tournament bid if they keep the momentum going. A win or two in the SEC Tournament should seal the deal.

Texas Longhorns – Slipping Fast

Prediction: OUT

The Longhorns are trending in the wrong direction, and time is running out. After sitting at 16-10 following a win over Kansas, Texas has since dropped three straight, including a bad loss to Georgia.

Their upcoming schedule isn’t doing them any favors:

They face two ranked opponents in Mississippi State and Oklahoma – both also fighting for positioning.
Even if they win both, they’re still not a lock for the tournament.

Texas has the talent to pull off a big win, but based on their current downward spiral, it’s hard to trust them to get the job done when it matters. If they don’t at least split these last two games, their tournament hopes will likely be done before Selection Sunday.

West Virginia Mountaineers – A Long Shot

Prediction: OUT

West Virginia is one of the most puzzling bubble teams this year. Their 17-12 record isn’t flashy, but they have one of the toughest schedules in the country and have picked up several wins over Top 50 and Top 100 teams.

Their final two regular-season games against Utah and UCF are critical. The problem? They haven’t won back-to-back games since early January, and their inconsistent play has made them tough to trust.

Many Bracketology models still give them around a 50% chance of making the tournament, but without a deep run in the Big 12 Tournament, they’re likely going to be one of the first teams out.

Ohio State Buckeyes – Finding Life at the Right Time

Prediction: IN

The Buckeyes are still hanging on, but they have work to do. With two must-win games against Nebraska and Indiana, Ohio State can’t afford a slip-up—both matchups are against fellow bubble teams fighting for their own survival.

Why they could sneak in:

Strength of schedule: Every single one of their losses has come against Top 100 teams. They don’t have any truly bad losses weighing them down.
Momentum: Their recent win over USC showed they’re capable of stepping up when the pressure is on.

If they win both of their remaining games, they’ll make a strong case for a bid, especially if other bubble teams continue to struggle.

Final Thoughts

With conference tournaments still to come, the bubble picture is far from settled. Every year, a few teams make a late charge, while others collapse under the pressure.

Georgia is surging at the right time and has the inside track to a bid.
Texas and West Virginia are on the ropes, needing big wins to stay alive.
Ohio State has an opportunity – if they take care of business, they could punch their ticket.

It’s going to be an intense final stretch, and the next week will make or break these teams’ tournament hopes. Buckle up – March Madness is almost here.

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