The Big Lead

Finding Cinderella in each region of March Madness 2025

Which teams have the best chance to pull off the biggest upsets during March Madness?

By Tyler Reed

Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson looks to the basket ahead of Toledo Rockets guard Sonny Wilson during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Mid-American Conference Tournament at Rocket Arena.
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson looks to the basket ahead of Toledo Rockets guard Sonny Wilson during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Mid-American Conference Tournament at Rocket Arena. / Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Selection Sunday has come and gone, and everyone knows who is in and who is out. However, there's one question on everyone's mind as they fill out their brackets.

Who will be the team that pulls off the massive upset on the opening weekend? Luckily, we've got you covered.

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Here are the teams who have the best chance to be Cinderella during March Madness.

South Region - Yale

The Yale Bulldogs are going dancing once again as the program won the Ivy League championship on Sunday.

The Bulldogs will have a tough challenge as a 13th seed when they take on the 4th seed Texas A&M Aggies in their opening contest. However, never count out a squad from the Ivy League.

East Region - Akron

Sharron Youn
Akron guard Sharron Young celebrates after the Zips beat Toledo to advance to the Mid-American Conference Tournament championship at Rocket Arena on Friday. / Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Akron Zips are the winners of the MAC championship and another 13 seed to keep your eye on when crafting your bracket.

The Zips will meet the Arizona Wildcats, who had an impressive first season in the Big 12. However, one should fear the Zips.

Midwest Region - McNeese State

Will Wad
McNeese State Cowboys head coach Will Wade talks to guard DJ Richards Jr. during the second half in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Vivint Smart Home Arena-Delta Center. / Gabriel Mayberry-Imagn Images

McNeese State head coach Will Wade will be a hot commodity when the coaching carousel begins after the season.

However, Wade has a chance to take his Southland Tournament champion Cowboys on a Cinderella run as their first game as a 12 seed will be against the fifth seed Clemson Tigers.

West Region - Drake

Drake Bulldog
Drake Bulldogs mascot Spike looks on as he wears his championship gear after Drake defeated the Bradley Braves to win the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Championship at Enterprise Center. / Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The Drake Bulldogs grabbed the 11th seed in the West Region. The Missouri Valley champions will meet the 6th seed Missouri Tigers in the first round.

The Bulldogs have 30 wins this season and are not to be taken lightly. An early SEC team exit would make Drake the darlings of the tournament.

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