Bracketology 2024: Bubble Watch Updates for each conference in early March

Big 12

Locks: Baylor, BYU, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas

All five of these teams currently sit Top 15 in the NET and are in great shape for the NCAA Tournament. It’s been a bit of a surprise in the league this season, with Kansas looking shaky at times and Houston looking dominant in year one in the conference. Iowa State has been another incredible story while BYU has greatly exceeded expectations in their own debut to the league.

Should Be In: Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech

Texas and Texas Tech have both looked great at times and have a decent number of Quad 1 wins, though those opportunities are very plentiful in the Big 12 this season. Oklahoma hosts Texas and both really could use that win to secure themselves not just in the field but with a better seed. That task is slightly tougher for Texas Tech against Baylor.

Bubble: TCU

What helps the Horned Frogs is that all ten of their losses have come against Quad 1 opponents, but what’s hurt is winning just two of those games. They’ve had their share of struggles against strong teams this season, especially in recent weeks. TCU is looking for a strong finish and a decent performance at the Big 12 Tournament will have them in the Tourney field.

Work to Do: Cincinnati, Kansas State

Both of these teams have been considered on the bubble this season, but they’ve both significantly cooled off. Cincinnati got great wins over BYU and TCU back in early January and has a NET of 45, but have struggled mightily, sitting just 6-11 in Big 12 play. Kansas State’s metrics are in far worse shape (including a NET of 76), while their resume leans heavily on big home wins, including their hopes for another against Iowa State.