Duke named No. 1 seed in expanded NCAA Tournament bracket projections

Duke University is projected as the No. 1 seed in the upcoming 2027 NCAA Tournament according to CBS Sports. The tournament will feature a significant expansion from 68 to 76 teams, with a new Opening Round replacing the First Four. The 2026-27 college basketball season kicks off with a matchup between Notre Dame and Villanova. Duke returns four key players and adds a highly touted freshman class, including John Blackwell and Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje. The change in tournament structure poses challenges for mid-major teams, increasing the likelihood that many will face elimination in the Opening Round.

• 5:12 PMCBS Sports — 2027 NCAA Tournament Bracketology: Duke No. 1 in preseason projections, expansion puts squeeze on mid-majors