Bracketology: Where Major Outlets Have Tennessee Seeded This Week

Image: Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

By Aidan Sidoti

Tennessee hoops enter this week at 18-7 overall and 8-4 in SEC play, tied for third in the conference and winners of six of its last seven. 

The Vols continue to build a strong tournament résumé, which currently holds four Quad 1 wins, and major national outlets remain consistent with how they view Rick Barnes’ squad heading into mid-February.

Here’s where the top bracketologists have Tennessee seeded this week, along with projected first and second‑round matchups and regional locations.

Joe Lunardi (ESPN)

Lunardi places Tennessee as a 6 seed in Portland, drawing the First Four winner between UCLA and San Diego State. A potential second-round matchup with Gonzaga could await the Vols.

Jerry Palm (CBS Sports)

Palm also has Tennessee on the 6 line in Portland, opening against currently undefeated Miami (OH). If the Vols advance, they would most likely face SEC rival Florida in the second round.

Andy Katz (NCAA.com)

Katz reflects Palm’s projection, slotting Tennessee as a 6 seed against Miami (OH). His bracket sends the Vols to Greenville, SC, with a possible second-round matchup against Nebraska.

Kevin Sweeney (Sports Illustrated)

Sweeney keeps Tennessee as a 6 seed but sends them to Tampa. The Vols would face the First Four winner between Santa Clara and TCU, with Texas Tech projected as the second-round opponent.

Brad Wachtel (Hoops HQ)

Wachtel is slightly higher on Tennessee, placing the Vols as a 5 seed in Philadelphia. His bracket pairs Tennessee with Yale in the opening round and Michigan State as the likely second-round opponent.

Andrew Adams (Field of 68)

Adams also lists Tennessee as a 5 seed, sending them to Portland to face Liberty. A second-round matchup with Virginia would likely be on deck. 

Across the board, the consensus keeps Tennessee firmly in the 5-6 seed range, with the Vols trending upward as they continue to stack wins.

With six regular-season games left and currently four Quad 1 opportunities still ahead, the Vols have a clear path to strengthen its position before Selection Sunday.