SEC Bracket Watch 2025: Auburn and Alabama Battle for SEC Supremacy

Auburn’s Path to the SEC Title

Auburn is in prime position to claim the SEC regular season championship for the first time since 2022. A victory over Kentucky, or a loss by Alabama, would secure the Tigers the top spot in the conference standings. Additionally, a win would guarantee Auburn a coveted double bye in the upcoming SEC Tournament, ensuring extra rest ahead of postseason play.

The Tigers aren’t the only ones fighting for favorable positioning. Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee are also vying for double byes, while several other SEC programs are fighting for their NCAA Tournament lives.

The Bubble Battle: SEC Teams on the Brink

With 68 spots available in the NCAA Tournament, only a handful remain for at-large teams on the bubble. That’s where Arkansas, Vanderbilt, Texas, Oklahoma, and Georgia come into play.

These teams find themselves in a precarious position—needing a strong finish to solidify their tournament hopes. While the regular season is wrapping up, their best chance to impress the selection committee may come during the SEC Tournament, where they will likely face off in what could be described as "bubble eliminator" games.

For example, Georgia, fresh off a key win over Florida, could further boost its resume by defeating another bubble team like Vanderbilt or Arkansas. However, a loss in the SEC Tournament could leave these programs sweating on Selection Sunday.

The Decline of ACC Dominance

Once regarded as the gold standard of college basketball, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has seen a significant decline in its national influence. While Duke remains a top contender and likely No. 1 seed, the rest of the conference is struggling.

Clemson looks poised for a mid-tier seed, but perennial powerhouses like North Carolina are in jeopardy. Despite potentially reaching 20 wins, the Tar Heels' 1-10 record in Quad 1 games raises serious questions about their tournament viability. Once gatekeepers of March Madness, the ACC’s elite status is fading fast.

Must-Watch Games This Weekend

The final stretch of the regular season features several pivotal matchups:

• Auburn vs. Kentucky (March 1) – A win for Auburn secures the SEC regular season title and strengthens its case for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

• Alabama at Tennessee (March 1) – Both teams are still in the mix for a No. 1 seed. The winner gains a crucial edge heading into the postseason.

• Georgia at Texas (March 1) – A must-win for both bubble teams as they fight to stay on the right side of the tournament cut line.

• Memphis at UAB (March 2) – UAB needs a statement win to bolster its NCAA Tournament chances. Taking down Memphis at home could be the key to securing a bid.

Projected NCAA Tournament Bracket

With just weeks remaining before Selection Sunday, here’s how the tournament field is shaping up:

South Region (Atlanta, GA)

1. Auburn vs. 16. Quinnipiac

2. UConn vs. 9. Baylor

3. Clemson vs. 12. San Diego

4. Arizona vs. 13. Jacksonville State

5. St. Mary’s vs. 11. Texas/Oklahoma (play-in)

6. Iowa State vs. 14. Towson

7. Louisville vs. 10. Nebraska

8. Texas A&M vs. Robert Morris

East Region (Newark, NJ)

1. Duke vs. 16. Southern/American (play-in)

2. Illinois vs. 9. New Mexico

3. Maryland vs. 12. McNeese State

4. Texas Tech vs. 13. Akron

5. Kansas vs. 11. VCU

6. St. John’s vs. 14. James Madison

7. UCLA vs. 10. San Diego State

8. Tennessee vs. 15. Montana

Midwest Region (Indianapolis, IN)

1. Alabama vs. 16. Bryant

2. Creighton vs. 9. BYU

3. Missouri vs. 12. Drake

4. Purdue vs. 13. Lipscomb

5. Oregon vs. 11. Arkansas

6. Kentucky vs. 14. Utah Valley

7. Ole Miss vs. 10. West Virginia

8. Michigan State vs. Central Connecticut State

West Region (San Francisco, CA)

1. Houston vs. Southeast Missouri State/Omaha (play-in)

2. Gonzaga vs. 9. Utah State

3. Marquette vs. 12. Yale

4. Michigan vs. 13. High Point

5. Mississippi State vs. 11. Georgia/Indiana (play-in)

6. Wisconsin vs. 14. Chattanooga

7. Memphis vs. 10. Vanderbilt

8. Florida vs. 15. Norfolk State

Among the projected brackets, the West Region appears to be the most unpredictable. While Houston currently holds the top seed, shifting results over the next few weeks could see Auburn or Duke slide into this spot instead.

Looking Ahead

As we approach the final games of the regular season, the stakes couldn’t be higher for SEC teams. Auburn has a chance to lock up the conference title, bubble teams are in a desperate fight for survival, and the battle for NCAA Tournament seeding is heating up.

With Selection Sunday looming, expect plenty of drama as teams make their final push for a coveted spot in March Madness.