The college basketball season may have just ended a few weeks ago, but early projections for next season are already flying around.
Coaching changes and the transfer portal have already reshaped teams across the country, and as rosters continue to come into form, early 2027 bracketology predictions are hot off the presses.
On Wednesday, ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi released his first predictions for the 2027 NCAA Tournament. To the delight of Indiana basketball fans, the Hoosiers are included in the 68-team tournament field.
Joe Lunardi gives Indiana a spot in the 2027 NCAA Tournament
There is nothing Indiana basketball fans want more than a March Madness appearance. In Bloomington, that shouldn't be too much to ask for. But the Hoosiers have missed out on the NCAA Tournament in three straight seasons and in eight of the last 10 years.
Lunradi has faith in the Hoosiers changing that next season. In his projection, Lunardi has Indiana listed as a No. 7 seed in the Spokane Region. Furthermore, he has the Hoosiers taking on 10th-seeded LSU in the Round of 64. Given the significant changes both programs have endured this offseason, that would make for a very intriguing matchup to watch unfold.
The Hoosiers are one of 11 Big Ten teams in Lunardi's bracket, which trails only the SEC's 12 teams for the most from a single conference. Other Big Ten teams featured include Michigan (No. 1), Michigan State (No. 1), Illinois (No. 2), Purdue (No. 5), Nebraska (No. 5), USC (No. 9), UCLA (No. 9), Ohio State (No. 9), Wisconsin (No. 9), and Iowa (No. 11). Oregon is listed as one of the first four teams out of the tournament field.
Darian DeVries' strong portal haul gives Indiana fans hope
Darian DeVries has re-stocked Indiana's 2026-27 roster through the transfer portal over the last week. So far, DeVries and his staff have added six transfers who all figure to make an immediate impact next season.
IU's portal class includes PG Markus Burton (Notre Dame), G Darren Harris (Duke), SG Jaeden Mustaf (Georgia Tech), SG Bryce Lindsay (Villanova), C Samet Yigitoglu (SMU), and PF Aiden Sherrell (Alabama). As it stands, the class is ranked as the No. 1 portal group in the country by On3.
Darian DeVries and Indiana may regret passing on these transfer portal opportunities
The portal window has now closed, meaning no more players can enter. However, players currently in the portal can commit to a new team at any time. DeVries likely still has a few more moves to make to give the Hoosiers more depth heading into the new season.
Along with a strong portal class, Indiana's incoming recruiting class includes a trio of top-80 players in Vaughn Karvala, Prince-Alexander Moody, and Trevor Manhertz. Rising sophomore Trent Sisley is the only returning player from last year's teams.
The talent appears to be there. Now DeVries and company just need to put it all together. Hoosier fans are hoping IU's revamped roster leads to an NCAA Tournament appearance and a possible postseason run next season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google