With March Madness 2025 just around the corner, college basketball fans are eagerly searching for this season’s Cinderella teams—lower-seeded squads that could make deep tournament runs and bust brackets.
Every year, a few teams defy expectations by eliminating higher-seeded powerhouses, sending shockwaves through the tournament and thrilling fans nationwide. If you’re building your bracket, these underdog programs are worth keeping an eye on.
Drake Bulldogs (Missouri Valley Conference) – A Balanced Mid-Major Threat
Drake has built one of the most consistent mid-major programs in the country, and this year’s team is no exception. They boast an elite defense that thrives on forcing turnovers, making them a nightmare matchup for any high seed.
Their experienced backcourt and lights-out three-point shooting make them a prime Cinderella candidate.
Liberty Flames (ASUN Conference) – The Ultimate Disruptors
Over the past few years, Liberty has become one of the most dangerous mid-majors in college basketball. Their deliberate, disciplined style can frustrate higher-seeded teams and turn games into grind-it-out battles.
If Liberty’s deadly three-point shooting heats up at the right time, they could easily pull off an upset and make a deep tournament run.
UC Irvine Anteaters (Big West Conference) – Defensive Stalwarts
UC Irvine has a history of pulling off March Madness upsets, thanks to their tenacious defense and efficient half-court offense.
They excel at limiting fast-break points and forcing opponents into tough, contested shots. If they match up against a high-scoring team, their defense could grind out a stunning victory.
Grand Canyon Lopes (WAC Conference) – A Rising Cinderella Contender
Grand Canyon has steadily improved as a mid-major force and now looks poised for a breakthrough Cinderella run.
With their high-tempo offense, aggressive rebounding, and passionate fanbase, the Lopes have all the makings of a bracket-busting team. If they catch momentum early, they could shock the college basketball world.
Which Underdog Will Shock the Nation?
As March Madness approaches, these teams should be on every fan’s radar. Given the tournament’s wild unpredictability, don’t be surprised if one of these underdogs steals the spotlight and becomes the next great Cinderella story.
