The NCAA has some serious explaining to do after an embarrassing mistake involving the University of South Alabama Men's Basketball team.

South Alabama coach Richie Riley explained the situation to AL.com, too. Riley said the Jaguars were offered a spot for NIT on Sunday night at 9:30 p.m. South Alabama ended up getting the invite because UC Riverside, who had received the invite first, had to decline to play in the College Basketball Invitation.

In need of a team to take UC Riverside’s spot, South Alabama was brought in, but the Highlanders were able to get out of their CBI obligation and were available for the NIT. Because of that, the NCAA had to make a second call about an hour later to the Jaguars to inform them they were no longer invited.

Another new NIT selection process announced in October by the NCAA will distribute 16 bids to "exempt" teams meeting certain criteria related to conference affiliation and advanced metrics. It marks the second year in a row that criteria for NIT access has changed as the event seeks to solidify its place in an evolving postseason landscape.

The Boise State men’s basketball team is missing out on the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021, but the Broncos’ season will continue in a new, first-of-its-kind event. The College Basketball Crown revealed its 16-team field Monday morning,

The NCAA Tournament remains the pinnacle, and every team fights all year to earn a bid. There were 68 teams who heard their name on Sunday’s selection show, and all of them celebrated their inclusion in March Madness. Those who did not have a decision to make.

From No. 1 overall (Auburn) to the last team in (North Carolina), view the full 2025 men's NCAA Tournament bracket.