A new men's college basketball season has finally arrived. With it comes inevitable questions, both obvious and arcane, about players, teams and, most importantly, what will happen 5½ months from now. Below are just some of what your intrepid ESPN Bracketologist will be watching in the 19 weeks between now and Selection Sunday.
The first in-season projections of the 2026 March Madness field of 68 will release Nov. 11.
1. Who will secure the four No. 1 seeds on March 15?
Our season-opening projection lists Houston, Purdue, Florida and Duke on the top line of the bracket.