Final Bracketology: CBS Sports projection sees Iowa State reclaim No. 2 seed, SMU stays in the field of 68

March 16, 2026 - 04:57

With the 2026 NCAA Tournament selection show just hours away, the final bracket projection from CBS Sports has delivered notable updates, headlined by a significant promotion for the Iowa State Cyclones. The forecast sees Iowa State reclaiming a coveted No. 2 seed, a position that solidifies their status as a top-tier national contender heading into March Madness.

The projection also brings good news for the SMU Mustangs, who are projected to remain safely within the field of 68 teams. Their inclusion underscores a strong finish to the regular season and conference tournament, securing their spot in the national postseason. Elsewhere in the bracket, the final hours before the official reveal have solidified the perceived pecking order for the top seeds, though debates will continue until the selection committee's choices are made public.

This final bracketology snapshot provides the last glimpse of the anticipated tournament landscape before the real bracket is unveiled. Fans across the country now await the official word, which will confirm these projections or deliver the surprises that make Selection Sunday an annual spectacle. The stage is set for the drama of the NCAA Tournament to begin.