Overview
- The Athletic’s Bracket Central identifies a 16-team bubble pool split into last-four-byes, last-four-in, first-four-out and next-four-out tiers.
- Stanford’s four-game skid has pushed the Cardinal to the bubble, with The Athletic projecting a 10–11 seed and USA Today listing them among the last four in.
- Colorado’s strength-of-schedule boost and four wins in five have lifted the Buffs into the field per The Athletic, though USA Today keeps them in the first four out.
- BYU’s Jan. 21 win at Texas Tech anchors a clean profile that Bracket Central places in the field, while USA Today projects the Cougars just outside.
- Iowa State is labeled bubble-worthy but steadier with Arianna Jackson back and Addy Brown out indefinitely, as Arizona State’s 15-0 start lacks a Quad 1 win and Richmond’s at-large path remains narrow despite USA Today slotting the Spiders as a last four in.