Who would've thought?
As it's done annually for the past few years, the NCAA Tournament selection committee released its list of the top 16 teams (top four seeds in each region) as of right now, just over four weeks before Selection Sunday, on CBS' NCAA March Madness Bracket Preview show. And if the season ended right now, Ohio State would be a No. 1 seed.
If the season ended today here are your four 1 seeds...
— March Madness TV (@MarchMadnessTV) February 13, 2021
- Gonzaga
- Baylor
- Michigan
- Ohio St. pic.twitter.com/kYxIYTKGIr
Ohio State is listed as the fourth overall seed and the last No. 1 seed behind Gonzaga, Baylor, and archrival Michigan. In the currently projected bracket, Ohio State would be in the same region as No. 2 seed Villanova, No. 3 seed Virginia and No. 4 seed Texas Tech.
The moment we have all waited for!!
— March Madness TV (@MarchMadnessTV) February 13, 2021
If the season ended today, here are your TOP 16 SEEDS!! pic.twitter.com/cAwoLyDYR2
The Buckeyes have come out of nowhere this season, racing to a 16-4 record with a strong résumé featuring wins over Illinois (pegged as a No. 2 seed), Iowa (pegged as a No. 4 seed), Wisconsin, and Rutgers (twice).
As mentioned, this has been a surprise to most, as Ohio State was ranked No. 23 to start the season and fell out of the rankings entirely as recently as Jan. 9. They have climbed all the way up to No. 4 on the strength of eight wins in nine games.
The Buckeyes have been one of the most efficient offensive teams so far this season, led by E.J. Liddell, who is scoring 14.9 points per game, and Duane Washington, just behind with 14.8 points per game.
The official selection of this year's NCAA Tournament bracket, which will be played entirely within the state of Indiana due to COVID-19 protocols, will take place on March 14.
