This Is Purdue

Bracketology 101: How To Build a Winning Tournament Bracket

Listen Later

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jerry Palm (BS computer science ’85), a nationally recognized bracketology savant. 


Jerry was previously the lead bracketologist at CBS Sports and has made countless national media appearances discussing all things college sports. Now he leads his own bracketology website, where he shares his data-driven projections on NCAA Tournament and College Football Playoff team selections and seedings. Jerry breaks down his expert bracket strategy, which is perfectly timed ahead of the upcoming NCAA Tournament that will culminate with the Final Four in downtown Indianapolis on April 4 and 6! 


This is also an exciting episode for “This Is Purdue” because, for the first time, host Kate Young is joined by a special co-host: Derek Schultz, Purdue spokesman and Indy sports personality! 


In this episode, you will: 

  • Learn more about Jerry’s trailblazing path to being a leading bracketologist 
  • Gain knowledge about the art and science behind bracketology, and how Jerry balances both to help make accurate predictions for team selections and seedings  
  • Hear about the origins of the bracketology field and Jerry’s journey from accessing scores in the library in the ’90s to utilizing cutting-edge technologies and forecasting tools today  
  • Discover more about Jerry’s ties to Purdue, including his family’s Boilermaker legacy and how being a computer science and “All-American” Marching Band alum shaped his passion for sports and STEM 
  • Learn more about his seeding predictions for the 2026 NCAA season and how factors like NBA prospects and big wins on away courts can impact bracket performance for experts and fans 

    •  

    Basketball fans – this is the perfect episode for you! Don’t miss Jerry’s elite bracket and industry insights, just in time for tournament season. 

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store
    This Is PurdueBy Purdue University
    • 4.6
    • 4.6
    • 4.6
    • 4.6
    • 4.6

    4.6

    120 ratings

    More shows like This Is Purdue

    View all
    Freakonomics Radio by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

    Freakonomics Radio

    32,106 Listeners

    Fresh Air by NPR

    Fresh Air

    38,045 Listeners

    Eye On College Basketball by CBS Sports

    Eye On College Basketball

    2,808 Listeners

    The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe by The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

    The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

    41,375 Listeners

    Travel with Rick Steves by Rick Steves

    Travel with Rick Steves

    2,513 Listeners

    Dinner with Racers by Dinner with Racers

    Dinner with Racers

    903 Listeners

    Boiler Alert: A Purdue University podcast by FFSN

    Boiler Alert: A Purdue University podcast

    82 Listeners

    The Daily by The New York Times

    The Daily

    112,063 Listeners

    Up First from NPR by NPR

    Up First from NPR

    56,553 Listeners

    The Journal. by The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

    The Journal.

    6,086 Listeners

    Everything Everywhere Daily: History, Science, Geography & More by Gary Arndt

    Everything Everywhere Daily: History, Science, Geography & More

    2,221 Listeners

    New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce by Wondery

    New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

    17,576 Listeners

    Boilers In The Stands by Boilers In The Stands

    Boilers In The Stands

    26 Listeners

    Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce by Wave

    Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce

    10,115 Listeners

    Gold and Black Radio by Gold and Black Radio: Purdue Sports and Recruiting

    Gold and Black Radio

    71 Listeners