Atlantic Coast: Duke and North Carolina are still the class of the field. But Florida State, with wins over the Blue Devils and Tar Heels, has an edge right now. But will the Seminoles stumble, as they did earlier against Clemson?
Atlantic Sun: Belmont was the preseason favorite, but Mercer has been the surprise team thus far.
Big 12: Kansas was the favorite and has not disappointed. Missouri, Baylor, and Kansas State are all dangerous and capable of pulling off upsets.
Big East: Syracuse and Georgetown are still the front-runners. Biggest surprise/disappointment/shock has been Pittsburgh (12-9, 1-7).
Big Sky: It was Weber State and Montana in preseason, and Weber State and Montana are the leaders.
Big South: North Carolina-Asheville and Coastal Carolina are among the leaders, as expected. Campbell, right with them, is a minor surprise.
Big Ten: Ohio State and Michigan State remain the bluebloods of what may be the deepest conference this season.
Big West: Long Beach State is the class of the field. No surprise.
Colonial Athletic Association: George Mason, Virginia Commonwealth, Drexel, and Old Dominion are the front-runners. Drexel could be the best team, but it will be tough for the Dragons to get out of Virginia in March with the tournament title.
Conference USA: Memphis was the preseason pick, but Southern Mississippi (18-3, 5-1) has been a surprise.
Horizon: Detroit has been a disappointment. Cleveland State and Valparaiso have been pleasant surprises. Butler is average at best, which is still a surprise to many.
Ivy: Harvard, Harvard, Harvard. The Crimson must still deal with Yale, Penn, and Princeton on the road.
Metro Atlantic: Iona was a solid choice, but the Gaels have shown some soft spots. Fairfield (10-9, 5-3) has been a disappointment.
Mid-American: No major stunners here, although Ohio’s 16-4 record is a bit of a surprise.
Mid-Eastern Athletic: Norfolk State is the best of a bad conference.
Missouri Valley: Creighton could be capable of an Elite Eight/Sweet 16 run. Wichita State is always dangerous.
