Michigan Claims Top Seed in NCAA Bracket Preview, Duke and Arizona Follow

Michigan has emerged as the overall No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament men's basketball selection committee's early bracket preview, revealed on Saturday. This annual preview offers college basketball fans a first look at how the committee views the top teams ahead of March Madness, and sets the stage for what could be a fiercely competitive postseason.

The committee placed Michigan at the top of its list, underscoring the Wolverines' impressive performance throughout the season. Their dominance, highlighted by consistent wins and a strong showing against ranked opponents, has made them the team to beat as the tournament approaches.

• Michigan is the overall No. 1 seed
• Duke and Arizona follow closely as the second and third seeds

The preview, released in late February, is a midpoint snapshot of the committee's thinking, not a final bracket. It gives programs and fans insight into which teams are considered elite, and where they stand in the ever-changing landscape of college basketball.

Placed behind Michigan, Duke and Arizona round out the top three seeds. Both have posted strong regular season records and remain fixtures in the upper echelon of NCAA basketball, but Michigan's consistency and strength of schedule have propelled them ahead in the committee's view.

This early preview is designed to spark discussion and speculation among fans, coaches, and analysts. For Michigan, being named the top seed could translate to a favorable path in the tournament, while Duke and Arizona will be motivated to close the gap as the regular season winds down.

With conference tournaments still to play and the official selection still weeks away, the committee's preview offers a snapshot but not a guarantee. Teams ranked just below the top three will be fighting to improve their standing, while Michigan, Duke, and Arizona will aim to maintain their momentum and secure their positions.

Fans can expect plenty of action and shifting dynamics as the road to the NCAA tournament heats up. The early preview sets the narrative—now it's up to the teams to write the next chapter.