March Madness is just weeks away from tipping off and college basketball fans are starting to take more notice of Miami (OH), but not Bruce Pearl.
The former college basketball head coach went viral Saturday after his wild take spread across the internet. This season, Miami (OH) is the only undefeated team in men’s college basketball with a 29-0 record.
However, Bruce Pearl isn’t impressed with the RedHawks men’s basketball team heading into the NCAA Tournament.
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Bruce Pearl on 29-0 Miami (OH): “If we’re selecting the 68 best teams, then Miami (Ohio) is going to have to win their tournament to qualify as a champion. Because as an at-large, they are not one of the best teams in the country.” #NCAATournamentpic.twitter.com/7DQiDmm1Ql
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 28, 2026
Not only is Miami (OH) unbeaten during the 2025-26 season, but every other top men’s team has at least two losses. That includes number one ranked Duke, as well as Michigan and Arizona.
Despite the RedHawks’ massive success that’s led them to the 21st ranking in college basketball, Pearl still has lots of questions about the team deserving an at-large bid.
“If we’re selecting the 68 best teams, then Miami (Ohio) is going to have to win their tournament to qualify as a champion,” Pearl recently stated. “Because as an at-large, they are not one of the best teams in the country.”
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Miami RedHawks guard Peter Suder shoots over Ohio Bobcats guard JJ Kelly in a NCAA basketball game.
The only defense to Pearl’s viral take is that Miami (OH) has failed to play any ranked opponents this season. However, every opponent that the RedHawks have faced has succumbed to the program’s historic offense, which features seven players averaging double-digit points.
Miami (OH) currently holds a one-game lead in the MAC over Akron, however, it’s clear that the Ohio-based school deserves to be in the 68-team March Madness field.
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