College basketball conference tournament predictions, picks, odds, upsets, sleepers for March Madness
College basketball’s top conferences are gearing up for their respective tournaments this week before the NCAA Tournament chaos begins. With several automatic auctions up for grabs and bubble teams hoping to make one last impression before Selection Sunday, this week should provide some fireworks.
Several teams in action this week need a deep run in their respective conference tournament to feel secure for an at-large berth this weekend. One conference to watch is the ACC.
SMU, Stanford and Cal are among the teams on the bubble, hoping to be one of the last teams in the field.
Bracketology: Main storylines, questions and seeding scenarios one week before the NCAA tournament selection show
David Cobb
Elsewhere, all eyes will be on the SEC tournament. Missouri, Auburn and Oklahoma are all in the bubble and could be on the outside looking in when all is said and done. Speaking of the SEC, Kentucky will play for the first time on Wednesday (first round) in the SEC tournament. The second year of the Mark Pope era at his alma mater has been a mixed bag, but Kentucky is still safe on the field for now.
Our experts combed through the conference tournament brackets of the sport’s top leagues and developed championship predictions and sleeper picks for each bracket. All odds via FanDuel.
ACC Tournament
ACC tournament bracket, schedule, pairings
Breakdown: Duke is the consensus favorite to win the ACC tournament title for the second straight season. Last year, Duke had to play in the ACC Tournament without freshman star Cooper Flagg. This time around, Duke could be without starting guard Caleb Foster and starting center Patrick Ngongba II due to injury. Virginia, led by first-year coach Ryan Odom, is the No. 2 seed. Miami also has a first-year coach (Jai Lucas) and is the No. 3 seed. UNC, the No. 4 seed, will be without star forward Caleb Wilson for this week and the remainder of the season because of a broken thumb.
Odds of winning the ACC tournament
Grand Est Tournament
Big East Tournament Bracket, Schedule and Pairings
Breakdown: It is not surprising who are the main contenders for victory in the Big East. That would be UConn and St. John’s. These teams have split the season series and could be on a collision course to face each other in the championship game. Keep an eye on Villanova, a program coached by Kevin Willard. The Wildcats are the No. 3 seed. Seton Hall will likely be on the outside looking in at Selection Sunday, barring a deep run in the Big East Tournament.
Odds of winning the Big East tournament
Big Ten Tournament
Big Ten tournament bracket, schedule, pairings
Breakdown: Michigan is coming off one of the most dominant seasons in Big Ten history. The Wolverines went 19-1 in Big Ten play, with the only loss coming against Wisconsin. Several contenders could challenge Michigan for the title. Nebraska has been one of the best stories in sports this season and looks to earn its first NCAA Tournament victory later this month. Of course, you can’t forget about Michigan State, a team that tends to play its best basketball in the month of March under coach Tom Izzo.
Odds of winning the Big Ten tournament
Big 12 Tournament
Big 12 tournament bracket, schedule, pairings
Breakdown: The Big 12 will ultimately be the most competitive power conference tournament. Arizona, the regular season champion, is the favorite. However, Houston and Iowa State are strong contenders to make things interesting. Of course, you can’t forget Kansas. The Jayhawks, led by Darryn Peterson, the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, have shown they can beat anyone. It’s very unlikely, but it’s possible that college basketball fans could get Peterson vs. AJ Dybantsa Part 2 if Kansas and BYU advance to the semifinals.
Odds of winning the Big 12 tournament
SEC Tournament
SEC tournament bracket, schedule, pairings
Breakdown: Reigning national champion Florida is once again the favorite to win the SEC title, but keep an eye on Arkansas and Alabama. Other teams to watch this week are the bubble teams: Missouri, Auburn and Oklahoma. All three of these teams could benefit from a strong showing in Nashville. Auburn, less than a year after earning the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, is in danger of being left out completely. The Tigers face Mississippi State in the first round.
Odds of winning the SEC tournament
