The NCAA Tournament is back, bringing buzzer-beaters, upsets, and plenty of surprises. March Madness 2025 officially tips off with the First Four on March 18-19, followed by the opening rounds that set the stage for potential shockers.
The road to the Final Four on April 5 and the championship game on April 7 will be definitely filled with drama, heart-stopping moments, and unexpected heroes. Every year, lower-seeded teams crash the party and rewrite the script. They knock out powerhouses, defy the odds, and make fans believe in miracles.
In this article, let’s highlight five underdog teams that could steal the spotlight in this year’s tournament.
No. 10 Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas is putting the tournament field on notice. The Razorbacks stunned No. 2 St. John’s with a gritty 75-66 victory, showcasing their ability to dominate the defensive end. Their tenacity on the glass and relentless full-court pressure make them a nightmare matchup for any team that lacks composure.
Their transition game is elite. They push the rock with pace, attack the rim with authority, and capitalize on second-chance opportunities. Their ability to turn defense into offense makes them a dangerous squad in crunch time, as they wear down opponents over the course of a game.
Sports betting platforms like FanDuel Sportsbook didn’t have them as favorites. That’s the beauty of March Madness—underdogs play with nothing to lose, making them unpredictable and fearless. With momentum on their side and a roster full of hungry competitors, Arkansas is proving that hustle and heart can trump seeding any day.
No. 6 BYU Cougars
BYU has been an offensive juggernaut. They torched No. 3 Wisconsin in a 91-89 thriller, showing off their deep shooting range and fluid ball movement. When they get hot from beyond the arc, they become nearly impossible to contain, stretching defenses and creating matchup nightmares.
Their offensive sets are crisp. They work the perimeter, use high ball screens to create open looks and keep defenses scrambling with quick backdoor cuts. Their off-ball movement is among the best in the tournament, making it difficult for teams to settle into a defensive rhythm.
If they stay efficient from deep, they can take down anyone. They’ve already knocked out a higher seed and have the confidence to challenge even the toughest defenses. Their ability to spread the floor and convert at a high percentage makes them one of the most dangerous teams left in the field.
No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss made a statement with a dominant 91-78 victory over No. 3 Iowa State. This squad plays with a chip on its shoulder, bringing a physical inside presence and deadly perimeter shooting. Their ability to crash the boards gives them a major edge against bigger teams, as they control second-chance points and limit transition opportunities for their opponents.
They don’t just win; they wear teams down. Their guards slash through defenses with ease, drawing contact and getting to the free-throw line. Their big men clean up on the offensive glass, ensuring extra possessions and momentum-shifting putbacks that demoralize opponents.
Momentum is everything in March, and this team has it. Their confidence is at an all-time high, feeding off the energy of their fans and their own belief that they can compete with anyone. If they execute their game plan, they’ll be a bracket-buster all the way to the Elite Eight and beyond.
No. 7 Marquette Golden Eagles
Marquette has ice in its veins. They gutted out a 66-64 nail-biter over No. 10 New Mexico, proving they can handle the pressure of crunch time. This team thrives in close contests and knows how to close out games, which is crucial in a tournament where every possession matters.
Their defense is relentless. They fight for every loose ball, contest every shot, and battle on the boards like their season depends on it. Their scrappy style frustrates opponents who can’t handle their physicality, forcing teams into rushed shots and costly mistakes.
If they keep grinding out wins, they’ll keep proving they belong. They have the toughness, composure, and late-game execution to make a serious run in this tournament. Nobody wants to see them in a high-pressure situation because they have already shown they can deliver when it matters most.
No. 12 Colorado State Rams
Colorado State pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. They stunned No. 5 Memphis with a 78-70 win, showing they can execute under pressure and rise to the occasion. They’re embracing the underdog mentality and making believers out of everyone watching.
Their defense has been a game-changer. They clog passing lanes, force bad shots, and get key stops in clutch moments. Opponents struggle to get into their sets against this defense, often resorting to contested jumpers that play right into Colorado State’s hands.
They’ve already taken down a powerhouse, and they have no plans to stop now. They have the swagger of a team that knows they belong, and they play with a sense of urgency that is hard to match. They’re not just here to compete—they’re here to win, and their fearless approach makes them one of the most dangerous underdogs in the field.
Never Count Underdogs Out
Underdogs have shocked the world before, and this year will be no different. March Madness thrives on chaos, and these teams have the grit, hunger, and firepower to take down the giants. The right mix of confidence, momentum, and execution can turn a sleeper into a legend. Brackets will bust, favorites will fall, and a new Cinderella will rise. Keep your eyes on these teams—history is about to be made!