While ESPN’s higher-ups have been doing anything and everything to bolster the SEC’s status and supposed dominance this season, the reality of the situation unfolded in the First Round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
14 SEC teams were placed in the NCAA Tournament by the selection committee, and after the opening round, the league has one of the worst records of any eligible conference.
Through the opening round, the SEC’s 14 teams hold an overall record of 8-6, while the Big Ten is undefeated at 8-0, followed closely behind by the Big 12, which sports a 6-1 record. Elsewhere, the WCC is 2-0, the Big East is 4-2, the Mountain West is 2-2, and the ACC is 2-3.
First Round 2025 NCAA Tournament Record By Conference
Big Ten: 8-0
Big 12: 6-1
Big East: 4-2
SEC: 8-6
ACC: 2-3
WCC: 2-0
Mountain West: 2-2
The Big 12’s lone loss, Kansas, came against John Calipari and Arkansas, a game that cemented the Jayhawks’ struggles to adapt to the new era of collegiate basketball. The Big 12 did receive a win over the SEC thanks to Baylor, who clashed with Mississippi State in an exciting game.
The SEC will have a chance to improve its stock in the Round of 32, while the Big Ten, Big 12 and Big East have a chance to stick the final nail in the coffin of their rival’s overblown hype.
Of the SEC’s three games on Saturday, two are against Big East teams, with two against the Big Ten. Arkansas plays St. John’s and Auburn takes on Creighton, while Tennessee faces UCLA and Texas A&M tips off vs. Michigan.
On Sunday, it will be the Big East, Big Ten, Big 12 and WCC each with their own opportunities to spoil the SEC’s season. Florida plays UConn, Kentucky faces Illinois, Ole Miss tips off vs. Iowa State and Alabama takes on Saint Mary’s.
