Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Joe Lunardi across Basketball, Football.
Despite landing a three‑star cornerback, Alabama’s 2027 in‑state haul remains thin, while Georgia’s aerial attack falters and the Crimson Tide secure a No. 3 NCAA seed.
Virginia Tech’s men’s basketball program entered the 2025‑26 season with a promising 11‑2 start in non‑conference play, only to see its momentum stall during ACC competition. Injuries and close defeats left the team outside the NCAA Tournament, a result that has become all too familiar for the Hokies in recent years. The NCAA announced an expansion to 76 teams beginning next March, a change that could open a new pathway for Virginia Tech. Early bracketology from CBS Sports placed the Hokies among the ‘Last Four In,’ while ESPN analyst Joe Lunardi kept them on the outside looking in, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding their at‑large prospects. Roster movement has been a focal point of the offseason. Key contributors Amani Hansberry, Tyler Johnson and Ben Hammond are slated to return, providing continuity and experience. Freshmen Neoklis Avdalas and Christian Gurdak, however, have transferred out, prompting the coaching staff to integrate new talent while preserving the core that helped the team start strong. Beyond the court, Virginia Tech’s athletics department announced it would decline any invitation to the NIT, a decision that reflects a shift in strategic priorities. The administration, led by the university’s sports administration, is now focused on aligning resources with a realistic path to NCAA qualification. Fans and analysts alike are hopeful that the combination of a larger tournament bracket, a retooled roster and a clear coaching philosophy will translate into a postseason berth. If the Hokies can translate early-season promise into consistent ACC performance, a return to March Madness may finally materialize.
From open practices and international recruits to contract extensions and schedule releases, Indiana University’s athletic programs are gearing up for a promising year.
The Wisconsin Badgers are slated to enter the NCAA Tournament as a No. 9 seed, joining 13 other Big Ten teams. With key departures and new additions, the team’s outlook hinges on depth and experience.
With a No. 3 seed projection, a revamped lineup and a challenging non‑conference slate, the Crimson Tide aim to build on recent Sweet 16 and Final Four successes.
After losing nine of their top players, the Cardinals have added a wave of transfers and freshmen, climbing to seventh in the nation on FanDuel's championship odds and earning a No. 2 seed projection from ESPN.
Projected to compete strongly in the SEC and earn a top seed in the NCAA Tournament, Arkansas looks to turn early optimism into March success.
With ESPN and other analysts ranking the Razorbacks among the nation's elite, the team's prospects hinge on frontcourt depth and a strong recruiting class.
ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi forecasts Indiana as a seventh seed in the expanded 2027 NCAA field, highlighting a revamped roster and renewed optimism.
The Gators retain key talent, earn the top overall seed, and open the season against Miami in Tampa.
ESPN’s Joe Lunardi places West Virginia among the first teams projected to miss the NCAA tournament, even as the program celebrates a recent championship and a revamped roster.
With the NCAA Tournament set to grow to 76 teams, Alabama’s Crimson Tide are slated as a 3‑seed in the South Region by ESPN and a 5‑seed in the West Region by CBS Sports, while preparing to open the season against Sam Houston.
After a program‑record 22‑win season and a handful of key transfers, Georgia is poised to extend its March Madness run, drawing attention from ESPN’s bracketology and a favorable regional draw.
The NCAA’s 2027 tournament expansion adds 24 play‑in spots, reshaping early‑round dynamics. Projections from Andy Katz and Joe Lunardi place Kentucky between a No. 11 seed facing Maryland and an No. 8 seed that would bypass the Opening Round, sparking debate over the new format’s impact on the Wildcats.