The Hurricanes are heating up at just the right time-and the rest of college basketball is starting to take notice.
After spending the early part of February teetering on the bubble, Miami has surged into the NCAA Tournament conversation in a big way. With back-to-back résumé-building wins-first over North Carolina and then on the road at NC State-the Hurricanes have vaulted up to a No. 9 seed in the latest On3 Bracketology projections. That’s not just a bump; that’s a statement.
Now slotted into the South region, Miami’s projected first-round matchup is against 8-seed Indiana-a program with history, pedigree, and a physical style that always makes for a tough out in March. It’s the kind of game that could go either way, and it’s exactly the kind of opportunity that Miami wants: a chance to prove they belong, not just in the field, but in the second weekend conversation.
If the Canes get past Indiana, the road doesn’t get any easier. Waiting in the Round of 32 would likely be top-seeded Houston, a team known for its suffocating defense and tournament-tested toughness. Sure, 16-seed UT Martin is technically in the mix, but let’s be honest-this is Houston’s spot to lose.
Beyond that, the South region is loaded with landmines and legacy programs. Iowa State holds the 2-seed, bringing their signature defensive grit.
Florida sits at No. 3 with athleticism and tempo that can run teams off the floor. Michigan State, a perennial March threat under Tom Izzo, is the 4-seed, while Virginia at No. 5 brings its methodical pace and elite defensive scheme to the mix.
These aren’t just good teams-they’re battle-tested, postseason-caliber squads that know how to win in March.
But here’s the thing: Miami doesn’t need to worry about the what-ifs down the line. The most important part of this bracket reveal isn’t the matchups or the seedings-it’s that Miami is comfortably in the field.
No more bubble talk. No more scoreboard watching.
Just basketball.
And that’s a big win in itself.
Let’s take a look at how the full South region shapes up:
South Region (Houston)
Oklahoma City Pod
- (1) Houston vs.
(16) UT Martin
- (8) Indiana vs.
(9) Miami
Buffalo Pod
- (5) Virginia vs.
(12) Yale
- (4) Michigan State vs.
(13) UNC Wilmington
San Diego Pod
- (6) St.
Louis vs. (11) SDSU/USC (First Four winner)
- (3) Kansas vs. (14) Cal Baptist
St. Louis Pod
- (7) Kentucky vs. (10) Santa Clara
- (2) Purdue vs. (15) Portland State
It’s a region stacked with tradition, talent, and tournament intrigue. And now, Miami is right in the thick of it-rising fast and playing their best basketball when it matters most.