ESPN's Joe Lunardi unveiled his final 2026 NCAA tournament projection, highlighting Duke as the national runner-up to Arizona despite injuries to key players. Lunardi's bracket, based on extensive analysis, ranks Michigan State fifth and Kansas twentieth, emphasizing their inconsistent performances without star player Darryn Peterson. St. John's is projected to reach the second round under Rick Pitino's physical style, though their offensive struggles remain a concern. The guide underscores how injuries and roster changes impact tournament viability, offering a detailed look at each team's path and pitfalls.