Cinderella Dreams: Who Will Wear the Glass Slipper in the 2025 NCAA Tournament?
March Madness. The name alone conjures images of buzzer-beaters, bracket busters, and unbelievable underdog stories. While the usual suspects – the Dukes, Kentuckys, and Kansases – often dominate the headlines, it’s the Cinderella teams, the unlikely heroes who rise from obscurity to capture the nation’s imagination, that truly make the tournament special. These are the teams that defy expectations, dismantle carefully constructed brackets, and prove that anything is possible on the hardwood.
Predicting which teams will embark on these magical runs is a fool’s errand, yet the allure of identifying the next Oakland or NC State is irresistible. The 2025 NCAA Tournament promises to be no different, with a host of potential Cinderella candidates poised to shock the world. Here are a few teams that could be ready to trade their rags for riches and leave their mark on March Madness history:
Arkansas Razorbacks: The Calipari Factor
The idea of John Calipari leading an underdog team might seem absurd. After all, he’s a national championship-winning coach with a reputation for recruiting top-tier talent. However, his debut season with Arkansas has been anything but smooth, and they enter the tournament with a point to prove.
After a shaky start in SEC play, the Razorbacks found their rhythm, finishing the regular season strong with impressive victories over Kentucky and Missouri. Their defense, anchored by shot-blocking sensation Zvonimir Ivisic, is a force to be reckoned with. But the key to their success lies in the guard play. D.J. Wagner provides experience, while Johnell Davis brings Final Four experience to the table. The return of Boogie Fland from injury adds another dimension to their offense. If Arkansas can maintain its recent offensive surge, they could pose a serious threat to any team in their path. While many might still see them as a traditional power struggling to find its footing, this year’s Razorbacks possess the potential to become a Cinderella story orchestrated by a familiar face.
Drake Bulldogs: Defensive Dawgs
While teams like Duke garner attention for their offensive prowess, Drake has quietly assembled a dominant team rooted in suffocating defense. In his first season with the Bulldogs, Ben McCollum seamlessly transitioned his Division II success to the Division I level, transforming Drake into a defensive juggernaut.
The Bulldogs allowed a nation-leading 58.4 points per game, stifling opponents with relentless pressure, generating steals, and controlling the boards. Spearheading this defensive effort is Bennett Stirtz, an ironman who leads Division I in minutes played while also leading the Missouri Valley Conference in scoring, assists, and steals. While the roster may be comprised of players with Division II roots, their talent and McCollum’s coaching have them primed for an upset. Their stifling defense could frustrate even the most potent offensive teams, making them a dangerous opponent for anyone they face.
UC San Diego Tritons: Turnovers Turn into Triumphs
UC San Diego is making its debut in the NCAA Tournament, and many expect them to be a popular double-digit seed pick to advance. It’s not just because this is their first appearance; it’s because of their impressive season.
Like Drake, UC San Diego won 30 games this season by combining a tough defense with efficient offense. They led Division I with a remarkable 7.2 turnover margin, forcing opponents into mistakes while taking care of the ball themselves. While their defense is strong, their offense has been even more impressive, leading to a plus-18 average scoring margin. Their clean style of play and the fact that their core unit has played together for two full seasons give them a unique advantage in the age of constant roster turnover. And let’s not forget Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones, the Big West player of the year, who will be eager to make his mark on the national stage. While dominating as they did during the regular season might be unrealistic, their fundamental approach to the game could carry them surprisingly far in the tournament.
Colorado State Rams: Mountain West Momentum
Colorado State secured its NCAA Tournament berth by winning the Mountain West Conference tournament. Their resurgence, fueled by a potent offense and stingy defense, makes them a dangerous team to face.
Their 10-game winning streak was fueled by an offensive surge, averaging 78.3 points per game. Fifth-year senior Nique Clifford has been instrumental, carrying the team with outstanding performances during the Mountain West tournament. With a favorable first-round matchup against a Memphis team lacking stability, the Rams have a real opportunity to advance. If they can find their range from beyond the arc, they become incredibly difficult to stop.
McNeese Cowboys: Wade’s Wild Ride
Will Wade has resurrected McNeese, leading them back to the NCAA Tournament after another dominant campaign in the Southland Conference. The Cowboys are relentless on defense, forcing turnovers and converting them into easy points.
Adding to their defensive prowess, McNeese possesses a balanced offense with five players averaging double figures. Their first-round matchup against Clemson promises to be a tightly contested battle, as all six of McNeese’s losses this season were by single digits, including games against Alabama and Mississippi State. Do not be surprised to see Wade’s McNeese team emerge as a dangerous spoiler.
Yale Bulldogs: Ivy League Intruders
Yale is looking to repeat their first-round upset from last year as a No. 13 seed, where they shocked Auburn. The Bulldogs’ offense, particularly their three-point shooting (38.7%, eighth-best in Division I), poses a significant threat to their opponents.
Texas A&M, their first-round opponent, struggles to defend the three-point line, ranking 168th in the nation in three-point defense percentage. Yale also excels at ball security, limiting turnovers to just 10 per game. Led by John Poulakidas, who scored 28 points in last year’s upset win over Auburn, Yale boasts valuable tournament experience. Poulakidas could be poised for another stellar performance, leading the Bulldogs on another improbable run.
High Point Panthers: Shooting for the Stars
High Point is making its first-ever appearance in March Madness. As an experienced group with most of their starters being upperclassmen, the Panthers are difficult to defend because of their efficiency. They shoot 49.4% from the field, seventh-best in the nation.
Their draw against Purdue, while daunting, presents an opportunity. Purdue’s defensive vulnerabilities and their history of losing to double-digit seeds could play into High Point’s hands. While it’s rare for a No. 14-16 seed to advance to the second round, High Point possesses the potential to be the biggest surprise of the tournament. Their offensive firepower and Purdue’s defensive shortcomings create a scenario ripe for an upset.
These are just a few of the teams that could potentially don the glass slipper and embark on a magical run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The beauty of March Madness lies in its unpredictability, and it’s those unexpected journeys that make it so captivating. So, buckle up, fill out your brackets, and prepare to witness the rise of a new Cinderella team. After all, in March Madness, anything is possible.
