If you ask WVU basketball fans, the program is likely in line for a major improvement this season. The program carries the momentum of a College Basketball Crown championship into next season, and they had one of the top offseason hauls in all of college basketball. So fans of the Mountaineers certainly have lofty expectations for the second season with Ross Hodge at the helm.
But it seems that not everyone is taking notice of what could be coming with the West Virginia Mountaineers. WVU basketball has now missed the NCAA Tournament three consecutive years in a row, and the last time they advanced to the Round of 32 was 2021.
And it seems that because of that downturn in recent years, the college basketball world no longer sees the Mountaineers as a legitimate postseason contender. That has been something made clear in recent 2027 NCAA Tournament projections.
West Virginia Mountaineers still being left outside of field in expanded NCAA Tournament projections
Despite the NCAA Tournament expanding to 76 teams next season, allowing room for an extra eight teams in the field, the latest 2027 Bracketology update from ESPN's Joe Lunardi still has the Mountaineers on the outside looking in. He lists the Mountaineers as the first team outside of the 76-team field.
With the Mountaineers bringing in loads of starting Power 5 experience, and freshman Miles Sadler set to be one of the top point guards in college basketball, one would think West Virginia would be viewed as a more legitimate tournament contender. But for now, Hodge can use the disrespect as further fuel to motivate the program this offseason.
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