Possible NCAA Tournament Expansion Plan Is Incredibly Stupid

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Fans better start mentally preparing for the NCAA Tournament field to expand, even if it's a very foolish and dumb idea.

There's been speculation for years that the men's tournament could expand to as many as 90+ teams, and those of us with common sense have been arguing for the field to not grow.

Well, it sounds like it's likely to happen, just at a reduced rate of growth.

Is the NCAA Tournament field growing inevitable? (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Is the NCAA Tournament field growing inevitable? (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

NCAA Tournament will likely expand.

"We’re not talking about 96. There is little to no appetite for 96 teams, or really even 80," a college administrator with knowledge of the situation told The Athletic.

If it's not going to expand to 96 teams or even into the 80s, then what might happen with the greatest tournament in sports?

The Athletic reported "a 72- or 76-team field seems the most likely outcome," but noted "last-minute pivots are never out of the question."

Translation: Expect the 68-team field to grow, but not explode by adding possibly 20+ new teams.

Will the March Madness field expand? (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Is this necessary or wanted?

Many college basketball fans already feel like 68 teams is too many. For example, 18-11 Providence is currently in the field in ESPN's latest bracketology projections. St. John's is a bubble team at 17-12.

Do we really need to expand the tournament to where .500 teams in conference play start becoming locks in the NCAA tournament?

Absolutely not. The field should be reserved for the best of the best. Not teams who have okay seasons. Call me an old man yelling at clouds, but I know I'm not alone.

Sixty-eight is plenty of teams. Watering down the field even more isn't going to improve outcomes or change the likely winner. Do we really think the 71st team to get into the field is going to make a run and win the whole thing? Of course not.

Expanding to 96 teams would be insanity. Expanding to a 76-team field, while not as bad, is still wildly unnecessary. Don't let it happen! Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com if you agree.

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David Hookstead is a reporter for OutKick covering a variety of topics with a focus on football and culture. He also hosts of the podcast American Joyride that is accessible on Outkick where he interviews American heroes and outlines their unique stories. Before joining OutKick, Hookstead worked for the Daily Caller for seven years covering similar topics. Hookstead is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin.