When you see a map of the United States filled in with 50 college logos, you know the games are just about to begin. Welcome back to geography class, where we've once again redefined the fiefdoms across men's college basketball. This preseason feature started as a one-off in 2015 and has published every October since.
Although there are some states that never change on account having just one D-I program (Hawaii, Maine, Vermont, Wyoming), every year the map is unique. There's never been the same 50 logos in this project. In 2026, we've got nine changes from last year — including one of the best rivalries in the sport seeing a logo flip for the first time in the history of this feature.
I couldn't believe it, but I went back and fact-checked it and it's true. Which state am I referring to? You'll have to scroll down to find out.
Every state is represented except for Alaska. The Last Frontier still does not have a Division I basketball program. The majority of logos you see on this map will also be included in the 2027 men's NCAA Tournament.
And as always, the teams picked for the plat correspond with how they land in my preseason Top 100 And 1 team rankings. The midterms are coming up, but these votes have already been cast and all ballots are accounted for. There is blue or red; college basketball is a diverse spectrum of colors from across the palette.
With the season tipping Sunday in Rome, we'll keep the forecast domestic. Here is the projected best team in every state for 2026-27. The Tide look to be top-five-good in the SEC again.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
