Super early Bracketology doesn't have Florida Basketball improving in 2024/25

ESPN's renowned bracketology expert Joe Lunardi continues to refine his predictions for the 2024-25 NCAA Tournament. In his latest projection, released on June 18, the Florida Gators are not expected to improve their seeding in Todd Golden's third year as head coach.

After fluctuating between a No. 6 and No. 9 seed in previous brackets, Florida has now settled into the No. 8 spot in the West (San Francisco) Region. This placement pits them against a hypothetical No. 9 seed Wake Forest in the opening round. While it's far too early to bank on this exact matchup, an eight seed would be a drop from the seven seed the Gators had in the 2024 tournament.

The forecast places Florida firmly in the middle of the pack for NCAA Tournament teams, which is still an improvement from the national perception when Golden took over from Mike White. This upward trajectory is particularly significant when contrasted with other Southeastern Conference (SEC) programs. Georgia, for instance, is one of six SEC teams currently outside Lunardi's projected field.

The SEC as a whole makes a strong showing in Lunardi's latest bracket, with 10 teams projected to make the tournament. This impressive representation outpaces both the Big 12 and Big Ten, each with nine teams. Alabama leads the SEC charge as a projected No. 1 seed in the South (Atlanta) Region, closely followed by Auburn as a No. 2 seed in the Midwest (Indianapolis) Region.

SEC newcomer Texas is expected to make an immediate impact, slotted as a No. 4 seed in the West Region. The Tennessee Volunteers mirror this projection in the East (Newark) Region. Arkansas secures a No. 5 seed in the Midwest, while Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Texas A&M all claim No. 6 seeds in their respective regions. Ole Miss rounds out the SEC's strong showing as a No. 7 seed in the East.

It's worth noting that Missouri and Vanderbilt, while not in the projected field of 64, are listed among Lunardi's "First Four Out." This suggests both teams could be fixtures in the "bubble" conversation throughout the upcoming season.

For Florida, it's a vote of confidence they can make the tournament once again. But ss the summer progresses and the team takes shape, all eyes will be on the Gators to see if they can meet or exceed these early expectations. With a healthy offseason and continued development, Florida basketball is hoping they can exceed those expectations during the 2024/25 season.