New York, December 10, 2025
Iowa State has overtaken Purdue as the No. 1 seed in the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball bracketology following an undefeated start to their season, including a critical victory over Purdue. This shift reflects a significant realignment at the top of college basketball’s national landscape just before March Madness.
Iowa State Cyclones now hold a perfect 9–0 record in the fiercely competitive Big 12 conference, solidifying their position as the top-seeded team in the upcoming NCAA tournament. This undefeated run, culminating in a decisive win over Purdue, has propelled them ahead in bracket predictions and displaced Purdue from the preseason No. 1 seed status.
Previously, Purdue was recognized for their strong player development program and an “old-school” college basketball style that had analysts and fans alike projecting them as the tournament’s top contender. However, their loss to Iowa State has altered the seeding landscape, signaling a power shift within the Big 12 and at the national level.
This transition underscores the dynamism of the 2025–26 college basketball season, where emerging team performance is disrupting preseason expectations. The Big 12 conference, known for its competitive intensity, now features Iowa State as a rising powerhouse with championship potential. Purdue’s relinquishing of the top seed highlights the volatility and evolving hierarchies defining this season’s March Madness narrative.
As the tournament approaches, Iowa State’s ascent introduces a fresh storyline for sports business stakeholders, policymakers involved in collegiate athletics, and avid followers of NCAA basketball. This shift not only influences competitive strategies and market dynamics within college sports but also sets the stage for potentially new contenders to make an impact in the national championship.