March is almost here — and the college basketball picture is getting clearer… and wilder.

Larry Smith opens the show with a deep dive into NC State’s resurgence under Will Wade, following the Wolfpack’s emphatic win over North Carolina. Raleigh News & Observer sports reporter Jadyn Watson-Fisher joins to break down the atmosphere in Raleigh, the culture shift under Wade, the NIL impact, and what NC State must do down the stretch to secure a double bye in the ACC Tournament. Is the ACC officially “back”? And how dangerous can this Wolfpack team be in March?

Then, veteran bracketologist Jerry Palm (PalmBrackets.com) joins the show to assess the national landscape. With Michigan surging, Duke looming, and the Big 12 loaded at the top, Jerry explains why this might be the deepest championship field in years. Who are the current No. 1 seeds? Which teams outside the top line can realistically win it all? And are we heading toward the “Year of the Freshman” in college hoops?

Plus:

• Big Ten depth and Purdue’s home struggles

• Florida heating up again as defending champs

• Concerns about the Big East’s future in the NIL era

• MLB Players Association turmoil just as spring training begins

• Olympic updates, including Lindsey Vonn’s serious injury situation

And in today’s Moment of Awe, UCLA’s Mick Cronin earns respect for holding his own player accountable — even in a blowout loss.

March is coming. The bracket debates are heating up. And Sports IQ is beyond the buzzer, inside the game.