Duke Claims Top Seed in Andy Katz’s Final March Madness Predictions

As anticipation builds for the 2026 NCAA Tournament, Andy Katz has released his final bracket predictions. The selection of 68 teams will take place on Selection Sunday, March 15, 2026. This year, Duke holds the top overall seed, while Iowa State secures a spot as a No. 2 seed.

Duke’s Dominance in March Madness Predictions

Duke, known for its strong basketball program, has emerged as the leading contender in Katz’s predictions. This year, they are placed in the top rank among colleges, poised to make a significant impact in the tournament.

Key Teams and Their Seeds

Alongside Duke, here are the other notable seed placements:

• 1 Seed: Duke, Michigan, Arizona, Florida
• 2 Seed: Houston, UConn, Iowa State, Michigan State
• 3 Seed: Purdue, Illinois, Virginia, Gonzaga
• 4 Seed: Alabama, Kansas, Nebraska, St. John’s

Conference Representation in Predictions

Various conferences are well-represented in Katz’s bracket. Noteworthy inclusions are as follows:

• SEC: 10 teams including Alabama and Florida
• Big Ten: 9 teams including Michigan and Ohio State
• ACC: 8 teams including Duke and North Carolina
• Big 12: 8 teams including Kansas and Texas Tech

Complete Overview of Katz’s Seed List

Katz’s full list features teams ranked from 1 to 68, showcasing a diverse selection from various conferences. This includes:

• 1: Duke
• 2: Iowa State
• 3: Gonzaga
• 4: Florida

First Four Out

As part of the predictions, Katz also identified teams on the brink of selection. The first four teams that missed the cut are:

• Auburn
• San Diego State
• Oklahoma
• New Mexico

Fans eagerly await the outcome of Selection Sunday. The excitement surrounding March Madness continues to grow, particularly with Duke’s strong positioning this year.

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