While there's a long way to go still, ESPN's Joe Lunardi has released his first mock bracket projections for the 2026 NCAA Tournament. This comes after a flurry of moves in the transfer portal as well as decisions for the NBA. And the good news is that he has UNC in his field at the moment.

This week, ESPN's Joe Lunardi revealed his too-early 2025-26 bracket, therefore setting expectations for each team entering the upcoming season. Unsurprisingly, the Wolverines are one of his highest-seeded teams and his second-highest rated team in the Big Ten.

Although Maryland basketball is set to have a completely new roster in 2025-26, the Terrapins are filling their roster nicely. Buzz Williams has signed nine pla