Jan. 17, 2026, 11:59 a.m. ET
ESPN released its latest bracketology update ahead of Florida basketball’s road game against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
The Gators did not see much action this time around, holding onto a No. 4 seed but moving from the West Region to the South after earning their first road victory of the season against the Oklahoma Sooners this week. That has them now matched up with the No. 13 Troy Trojans in the first round held in Tampa.
Saturday’s matchup in Nashville will no doubt have massive implications on the seedings for both teams in the next update. But for now, here is a look at the top teams overall as well as the SEC schools included in the current bracketology.
Top seeds in ESPN’s 2026 bracketology update
The Arizona Wildcats maintained the top overall seed in this update as well as their 1-seed in the West. Two other teams held onto their top perch — the Michigan Wolverines remain the No. 1 seed in the Midwest and the UConn Huskies rule the East — while the Iowa State Cyclones relinquished their top spot in the South to the Duke Blue Devils, who once again re-emerge as a No. 1 seed.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!SEC schools in ESPN’s 2026 bracketology update
The Southeastern Conference added a tenth school to its tally this week, matching the Big Ten for the most teams mentioned, thanks to the Texas Longhorns jumping back into things with their victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Despite seeing its undefeated record evaporate, Vandy once again headlines the SEC but fell to a No. 3 seed in the East, followed by Florida (No. 4, South), the Alabama Crimson Tide (No. 4, West), Arkansas Razorbacks (No. 5, Midwest), Tennessee Volunteers (No. 6, West), Georgia Bulldogs (No. 9, East), Auburn Tigers (No. 10, Midwest), Kentucky Wildcats (No. 10, East), Texas A&M Aggies (No. 10, South) and Texas (No. 11, South).
Kentucky, Auburn and TAMU are among the last four byes, while Texas is the final team to make the 68-team field. The Missouri Tigers sit among the first four out.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.