The Georgia Bulldogs Have ‘Work to Do’ to Secure a Spot in the March Madness Bracket

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, commonly known as March Madness, is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events each year. Every spring, 68 teams battle it out for the ultimate college basketball title, but before teams can even think about the big dance, they must first secure their place in the bracket. For many teams, especially those in the Power Five conferences, a berth in the tournament feels almost guaranteed. However, for others, the path to March Madness is much more difficult. This is the case for the Georgia Bulldogs, who currently find themselves in a position where they have “work to do” if they hope to secure a spot in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

In this piece, we will take a detailed look at the Georgia Bulldogs’ current standing in the NCAA basketball world, analyze their performance this season, examine the factors that have contributed to their current situation, and explore what they need to do in the remaining weeks of the regular season to earn their ticket to the tournament.

The State of Georgia Bulldogs Basketball

The Georgia Bulldogs are a proud basketball program, historically known for their occasional flashes of greatness, but not as perennial contenders for the NCAA tournament. As of 2025, Georgia has not been a fixture in the NCAA Tournament in recent years, which makes their current situation even more pressing. Their last appearance in March Madness was in 2021, when they lost in the first round to the No. 12 seed in their region. For a team that has struggled to reach the tournament in recent years, the 2025 season represents an important opportunity for the Bulldogs to prove they belong among the nation’s elite.

At the heart of this season’s campaign is head coach Mike White, who took over the Georgia program in 2022. White came to Georgia after a successful stint at the University of Florida, where he guided the Gators to four NCAA Tournament appearances during his time in Gainesville. His experience and track record made him a promising hire, but rebuilding the Georgia program was never going to be an easy task. White inherited a team that was in transition, with a mix of young talent and veterans, and his ability to bring those players together into a cohesive unit has been a key theme throughout this season.

However, the Bulldogs have found themselves in a tough spot, currently hovering just outside the NCAA Tournament picture. With an up-and-down performance through much of the regular season, they now face a daunting road to secure a spot in March Madness. While they have shown glimpses of brilliance, consistency has been an issue. The Bulldogs need a strong finish to the regular season, which will require improving in key areas and staying focused under the pressure of a tight postseason race.

The 2025 Season So Far: A Mixed Bag of Results

As we approach the latter stages of the 2025 regular season, Georgia’s record has been a mixed bag. Their overall win-loss record, strength of schedule, and performance in key conference games will be crucial for their tournament hopes. As of March, the Bulldogs are sitting near the middle of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) standings, a position that leaves them with little room for error. In the SEC, one of the strongest basketball conferences in the country, the competition is fierce. With teams like Kentucky, Alabama, and Tennessee consistently ranked among the nation’s top programs, a mid-tier finish in the conference may not be enough to secure an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

One of Georgia’s main challenges this season has been their inconsistency. They’ve had some impressive wins, including victories over ranked teams, but they’ve also suffered some puzzling losses to lower-tier opponents. These types of results are a major concern for tournament selection committees, who value consistency and strong performances against quality opponents. The Bulldogs have shown flashes of brilliance on both ends of the floor, but they need to put together a more cohesive and sustained effort if they hope to earn a spot in the bracket.

Key Factors Contributing to Georgia’s Current Position

Several key factors have contributed to Georgia’s current standing on the bubble of March Madness. Understanding these factors is essential in determining what the Bulldogs need to do moving forward to ensure they punch their ticket to the tournament.

1. Strength of Schedule
   One of the most important factors for any team trying to secure a spot in March Madness is their strength of schedule (SOS). The Bulldogs have played a challenging non-conference slate, facing off against tough competition that has prepared them for the rigors of the SEC. However, they have yet to secure enough signature wins against ranked opponents to make their resume stand out.

   A strong SOS helps bolster a team’s resume, especially when combined with quality wins. Georgia needs to capitalize on every opportunity against ranked opponents, whether at home or on the road, to improve their profile. Their upcoming matchups with top-tier SEC teams will be crucial to their postseason hopes.

2. Inconsistent Play on Offense
   One of the major issues for Georgia this season has been their lack of consistency on the offensive end. While they have a few players capable of putting up big numbers, they have struggled with shooting efficiency and ball movement at times. Their ability to generate offense in critical moments has been inconsistent, which has been detrimental in close games.

   For Georgia to make a push for March Madness, they need to find a way to be more consistent offensively. That means reducing turnovers, improving shot selection, and ensuring that key players like guards Terry Roberts and Jusaun Holt can take over games when needed. Finding offensive rhythm in tough SEC matchups will be essential to their success.

3. Defense and Rebounding
   On the defensive end, Georgia has been solid but not spectacular. While they have the ability to stifle opposing offenses, their defense has not always been as stingy as it needs to be, especially in high-pressure games. Additionally, Georgia’s struggles on the boards have been a major concern. In many games, they’ve allowed their opponents to control the glass, leading to second-chance opportunities and easy buckets.

   If Georgia is going to make a push for March Madness, they need to focus on improving their defense, particularly in rebounding battles. Strong defense and physicality in the paint will be key in keeping games close and giving them a chance to win down the stretch.

4. The SEC Gauntlet
   The SEC is one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, and Georgia is learning just how difficult it can be to navigate the league. With powerhouse programs like Kentucky, Alabama, and Tennessee at the top, every win in the SEC is earned the hard way. For Georgia, that means their conference games will be make-or-break.

   While an average SEC record might not be enough to punch a ticket to March Madness, a strong finish in conference play could help Georgia’s chances. They need to pick up wins against teams in the middle and upper tiers of the SEC and avoid any more head-scratching losses against bottom-dwellers.

What Needs to Happen Moving Forward

With only a few weeks remaining in the regular season, the Georgia Bulldogs’ path to March Madness is clear: they need to finish strong and make a serious run in the SEC Tournament. Here are the key areas where they need to improve:

1. Win Key SEC Games
   The Bulldogs must capitalize on every opportunity to beat teams ahead of them in the SEC standings. A few key wins, especially against ranked opponents, will give Georgia the resume boost they need to impress the selection committee.
2. Improve Offensive Consistency
   Georgia must become more consistent on offense. Key players need to step up, and the team must develop a more balanced scoring attack. A more efficient offense will take some pressure off their defense and improve their chances in tight games.
3. Tighten Up on Defense
   Strong defense and better rebounding will be crucial in securing close victories. Georgia has the talent, but they need to be more disciplined and aggressive on that end of the floor.
4. Perform Well in the SEC Tournament
   If Georgia doesn’t secure a guaranteed spot through regular-season play, a strong showing in the SEC Tournament could be their ticket to March Madness. Upsets in this tournament often create opportunities for bubble teams to sneak into the field.