Former Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl made his feelings known recently about Miami (Ohio).
Pearl stated that Miami (Ohio) would need to win the Mid-American Conference tournament to get into the NCAA Tournament. And, unfortunately, the Redhawks suffered a huge loss to UMass in the first round of the MAC tournament at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Thursday in Cleveland, Ohio.
After Miami (Ohio) lost to UMass, Pearl appeared to backtrack on his previous statements.
“In spite of the recent propaganda I’ve always been a mid major guy. I think a 1 loss Miami of Ohio team should get in! I don’t think they are one of the best 37 at large teams, but are 1 of the most deserving Good for the MAC, Cinderella and March madness,” Pearl wrote on X.
At the end of February, Pearl said Miami (Ohio) was “not one of the best teams in the country” as an at-large. He then added that the Redhawks would have to win the MAC tournament.
Does 29-0 Miami (OH) deserve a March Madness bid? 🤔@JalenRose, @coachbrucepearl & @jamalmashburn debate the nation's only undefeated team 👀 pic.twitter.com/VyXizQgApa
— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) February 28, 2026
Pearl’s previous comments ruffled a few feathers, with Miami (Ohio) athletic director David Sayler firing back on X.
Pearl then interviewed Miami (Ohio) head coach Travis Steele, and Pearl even addressed himself as the “ugly stepmother” with the RedHawks as the Cinderella team.
Now, Pearl has appeared to change his mind on Miami (Ohio) being worthy of an NCAA Tournament at-large bid. Let’s see if the Selection Committee feels the same way.
