Auburn Slips in Bracket Projection Before Arizona Game

Auburn opened the 2026-27 season 2-0, but Joe Lunardi’s latest bracket projection moved the Tigers from an eight-seed to a nine-seed ahead of Friday’s game against No. 11 Arizona. Arizona fell from No. 4 after losing to UCLA, then beat Cal Poly; it had also dropped to No. 11 in the USA TODAY coaches poll and No. 12 in the AP poll. Auburn’s improved frontcourt depth and strong start from Tahaad Pettiford will be tested against the Wildcats. Illinois’ men remained No. 3 in the AP poll, while its women rose to No. 22 after both teams began 2-0. Early bracket projections remain speculative, and new five-year eligibility rules are expected to increase the influence of older players and make it harder for freshmen to stand out.