Only the women's tournament will have this change go into effect next March.
Earlier this year, the NCAA announced that the 2027 NCAA tournament field will be expanded from 68 to 76 teams. The change will impact both the men's and women's tournaments. After the expansion was made official, our own Brady Farkas explained why the move could have benefits for Syracuse's basketball programs.
Nearly three months after the initial news was confirmed, more details have emerged involving the women's seeding setup only. The new news could have a major impact on the SU program, led by Felicia Legette-Jack.
What is the new seeding rule for 2027 women's basketball tournament?
The top 16 teams in the tournament will now be placed in the bracket based upon their true ranking, regardless of conference affiliations.
In the previous seasons, the top four teams in a conference would be placed in different regions. The seeding was done like this in order to prevent teams from the same conference from playing against one another before the Final Four.
How could the new rule impact the Orange?
If Syracuse qualifies for the NCAA Tournament again, it is now more likely they could face a conference opponent much earlier in the NCAA Tournament draw. Given how strong the ACC is, that could potentially force Syracuse down a seed line, or it could give them a tougher matchup earlier in the tournament.
Syracuse women's basketball confirmed games for 2026-27 season
--The women's program announced last month a preseason matchup with UConn. Find out why this exhibition game could be the most important game of the season for the Orange.
--As a part of the ACC/SEC Challenge, the Orange will host Oklahoma on Dec. 3
--Fellow Central New York school LeMoyne will host the Orange on Dec. 16. The Dolphins and Orange announced a two year home and home series earlier this month.
--Over the course of the next few months, Syracuse will add ten more non-conference games. Last season, the Orange finished 10-1 in regular season non-conference matchups. The Orange will compete as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) again this season. The dates and times of conference games has still yet to be confirmed.
A look at the Syracuse Orange women's basketball roster
Syracuse will return Uche Izoje, who won the ACC Rookie of the Year last season and helped the Orange to that NCAA Tournament win.
The team has added multiple transfers including: Sarah Rambus (Oregon) Tyi Skinner- (SMU,) Jaleesa Molina (Temple), and Emely Rodriguez (Iowa)
This season's roster features two international prospects as well: Elif Cayir hails from Turkey while Celaine Ricco is a newly signed player from France.
Madison Howard and Destiny Robinson are the two high school players who are set to make their collegiate debut this season.
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