SEC makes NCAA history with seven teams in Sweet 16
The SEC just made history.When Ole Miss knocked off third-seeded Iowa State on Sunday night, the Rebels became the seventh SEC team to advance to the Sweet 16 — setting an NCAA Tournament record for the most from a single conference.They join Florida, Kentucky, Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, and Arkansas, capping off a dominant first two rounds for the conference. What was already an unprecedented Selection Sunday haul for the SEC — 14 of its 16 teams received bids — has now turned into a historic showing on the court. Two of the conference’s top seeds have led the charge. Florida, a No. 1 seed, took down defending national champion UConn on Sunday to advance. Auburn, also a top seed, handled Creighton the day before. Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas each won, showcasing the depth of the league. No. 6 Ole Miss, the outlier on paper, was the latest to break through, taking down a No. 3 Iowa State team to extend its stay.Not every top seed from the conference made it through. Texas A&M, a No. 4 seed, blew a 10-point second-half lead in a loss to Michigan in the second round, becoming the only SEC team with a top-four seed not to reach the Sweet 16.The upcoming slate is loaded with high-stakes matchups:Florida vs. Maryland (No. 4) – Thursday, March 27 Auburn (1) vs. Michigan (5) – Friday, March 28 Kentucky (3) vs. Tennessee (2)- Friday, March 28 Alabama vs. BYU- Thursday, March 27 Arkansas vs. Texas Tech – Thursday, March 27Regardless of what happens next week, this tournament has solidified the SEC’s position as the nation’s top basketball conference this season. Seven teams in the Sweet 16 isn’t just a record — it’s a statement.
RALEIGH, N.C. —The SEC just made history.
When Ole Miss knocked off third-seeded Iowa State on Sunday night, the Rebels became the seventh SEC team to advance to the Sweet 16 — setting an NCAA Tournament record for the most from a single conference.
They join Florida, Kentucky, Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, and Arkansas, capping off a dominant first two rounds for the conference.
What was already an unprecedented Selection Sunday haul for the SEC — 14 of its 16 teams received bids — has now turned into a historic showing on the court.
Two of the conference’s top seeds have led the charge. Florida, a No. 1 seed, took down defending national champion UConn on Sunday to advance.
Auburn, also a top seed, handled Creighton the day before.
Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas each won, showcasing the depth of the league.
No. 6 Ole Miss, the outlier on paper, was the latest to break through, taking down a No. 3 Iowa State team to extend its stay.
Not every top seed from the conference made it through. Texas A&M, a No. 4 seed, blew a 10-point second-half lead in a loss to Michigan in the second round, becoming the only SEC team with a top-four seed not to reach the Sweet 16.
The upcoming slate is loaded with high-stakes matchups:
Florida vs. Maryland (No. 4) – Thursday, March 27
Auburn (1) vs. Michigan (5) – Friday, March 28
Kentucky (3) vs. Tennessee (2)- Friday, March 28
Alabama vs. BYU- Thursday, March 27
Arkansas vs. Texas Tech – Thursday, March 27
Regardless of what happens next week, this tournament has solidified the SEC’s position as the nation’s top basketball conference this season. Seven teams in the Sweet 16 isn’t just a record — it’s a statement.
