ESPN Bracketology: West Virginia is in Danger of Playing in the “First Four”

West Virginia Risks Playing in the “First Four”

The Mountaineers’ situation is becoming increasingly tense.

With the 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket just days away, West Virginia is left to wait and see what unfolds. Their recent loss to Colorado in the second round of the Big 12 tournament hurt their chances, and they are now widely considered a bubble team. While most projections currently have them on the right side of the bubble, any unexpected outcomes in other conference tournaments could leave WVU fans anxious.

ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi has been releasing daily updates as the tournament approaches. Earlier this week, he had the Mountaineers securely in the field, but now he has them as the last team in the “last four byes” category, meaning they are at risk of being pushed into the First Four games.

Lunardi’s latest South Region projection:

1. Auburn vs. 16. SIU Edwardsville/Jackson State
2. Marquette vs. 9. New Mexico
3. Oregon vs. 12. UC San Diego
4. Arizona vs. 13. Lipscomb
5. UCLA vs. 11. VCU
6. Texas A&M vs. 14. Utah Valley
7. Missouri vs. 10. West Virginia
8. Michigan State vs. 15. Omaha.