With Selection Sunday approaching, Kentucky Basketball’s NCAA Tournament outlook is shifting quickly.
Last week’s National Media Mock Selection placed the Wildcats as a No. 6 seed, but after Saturday’s loss at Auburn, most bracket projections now show Kentucky sliding to the 7-8 seed range entering a crucial road game at South Carolina.
ESPN’s Joe Lunardi moved Kentucky from a No. 6 to a No. 8 seed in his latest update. He projects the Wildcats in the South Region against No. 9 Clemson, with a potential second-round matchup against top-seeded UConn, which is a daunting path that could eventually include Texas Tech, Arkansas, or Houston.
Fox Sports’ Mike DeCourcy keeps Kentucky on the No. 8 line as well, projecting a first-round matchup with No. 9 SMU and another potential second-round date with No. 1 Michigan.
The Athletic’s Joe Rexrode lists Kentucky as a No. 8 seed, pairing the Wildcats with No. 9 Clemson in Buffalo. The winner would likely face No. 1 Michigan, while Alabama or St. John’s could await in a possible Sweet 16 meeting.
CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm places Kentucky as a No. 7 seed, matching the Wildcats with No. 10 UCLA and a likely second-round game vs. No. 2 Illinois.
SB Nation’s Chris Dobbertean has Kentucky as a No. 8 seed taking on No. 9 seed UCF before likely facing No. 1 overall seed Duke.
Overall, Bracket Matrix is still trending Kentucky as a No. 7 seed, though several new bracket updates are not yet included. With a Wins Above Bubble ranking of No. 27, Kentucky remains on solid ground, but a Quad 2 road game at South Carolina could heavily impact their fate.