The field for the 2024 NCAA DI Soccer Championship is now set, with 64 teams ready to compete in the first round this weekend for postseason glory.
All teams have their eyes on the College Cup, NCAA soccer’s Final Four, which will be held in Cary, NC. The semifinals are scheduled for December 6th, followed by the championship match on December 9th.
Thirty conference tournament champions received automatic invites to the postseason, while the NCAA committee selected 34 teams for the tournament. The top 32 teams are seeded one through eight in their respective brackets, ensuring that teams will only face non-conference opponents until the second round.
Tight race for top seeds reflect NCAA talent
In the 43rd edition of the NCAA championship, three of the four No. 1 seeds are making history. Duke secured the overall No. 1 seed for the first time. USC and Mississippi State also claimed No. 1 seeds for the first time. Defending champion Florida State completes the top quartet as a consistent top seed.
Power Four squads lead NCAA Championship charge
The Power Four conferences dominate the national bracket, with the SEC and Big Ten leading with 10 teams each. The ACC and Big 12 are also well-represented with nine and seven teams respectively. The ACC boasts seven teams with Top-4 seedings and half of the top eight seeds.
UNC and Wake Forest, as No. 2 seeds, represent two contrasting paths to the tournament. The ACC pair is joined by SEC’s Arkansas and Big Ten’s UCLA as other No. 2 seeds.
Parity set to increase NCAA tournament chaos
This season’s competition is intense due to an increase in parity on the NCAA pitch. Conference realignment and transfers have led to new teams claiming top seeds and unpredictability in the tournament.
In the Power Four conference tournaments, upsets were common, highlighting the potential for surprises in the NCAA tournament.
How to watch the NCAA Soccer Championship tournament
All first-round matchups will stream on ESPN+, starting with No. 8 Utah State vs. Washington on Friday at 4 PM ET. The tournament will continue with 25 matches on Friday and six on Saturday, culminating in No. 1 USC hosting Sacramento State on Sunday at 5 PM ET.
