This time last year, the ACC and Big East were entering the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament with a combined record of 14-1 and comprising seven teams of the Sweet 16 field. By contrast, the Big Ten and SEC placed just two teams apiece among the final 16 in 2024 after the conferences earned eight bids each to the Big Dance.

In this year’s Sweet 16, Cinderellas need not apply. This is a power conference-only type of party. To be specific, it’s a celebration of the SEC, Big 12 and Big Ten. After putting a record 14 teams into the NCAA Tournament,