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Despite some challenges in SEC play, the Tennessee Volunteers are still firmly in the race for a coveted one-seed in the NCAA Tournament. With a record of 8-5 in conference play and tied for sixth in the SEC standings, Tennessee’s overall strong season performance keeps them in the conversation for one of the top spots.

Leading bracketologists, including ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, The Athletic’s Joe Rexrode, and CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm, currently project Tennessee as a high two-seed. Lunardi and Rexrode have the Vols facing 15-seed Central Connecticut in Cleveland during the opening round of the East Region, while Palm places Tennessee in the Midwest Region against 15-seed Towson.

In Lunardi’s bracket, Tennessee shares the East Region with one-seed Duke, three-seed Arizona, and four-seed Michigan State, among others. Similarly, Rexrode’s projection also features one-seed Duke but lists UConn and Oklahoma as potential Round of 32 matchups for the Vols. Meanwhile, Palm’s Midwest Region projection positions Tennessee alongside one-seed Alabama and three-seed Texas Tech.

To elevate their status to a one-seed, Tennessee must capitalize on their remaining games, which include three Quad 1 matchups and contests against SEC’s lower-tier teams like Ole Miss and South Carolina. A 4-1 finish would solidify their case, but a perfect 5-0 run would greatly enhance their chances.

Alabama, a key competitor for a one-seed, faces a daunting schedule with six Quad 1 games remaining. Florida, another contender, has an easier slate but could still stumble in key matchups. Comparatively, Tennessee’s Quad 1 record of 8-5 positions them well but highlights their limited exposure to Quad 2 games, a potential drawback in the selection committee’s evaluation.

As the regular season concludes, the SEC Tournament could play a decisive role in Tennessee’s push for a one-seed. With strong performances and strategic wins, the Vols can showcase their readiness for March Madness. For now, Tennessee fans can remain optimistic about the team’s potential to secure a top spot in the Big Dance.