Every year, March Madness delivers unforgettable upsets that leave college basketball fans in shock. While powerhouse programs dominate the headlines, it’s the Cinderella teams that truly make the NCAA Tournament special. With the tournament fast approaching, several mid-major schools have emerged as potential bracket-busters. Here are three teams that could surprise the nation and send higher seeds packing.
Utah State Aggies (Mountain West Conference)
Bracketologists currently have Utah State pegged around a No. 9 seed, making them a dangerous team for any opponent in the early rounds. While the Aggies may not have the most dominant defense, they excel in one crucial area: forcing turnovers. Utah State creates turnovers on more than 20% of opponents’ possessions, a skill that can be a game-changer in high-pressure tournament moments.
This disruptive defense played a key role in the Aggies’ impressive win over Saint Mary’s, one of only four losses the Gaels have suffered this season. That kind of performance suggests that Utah State has the ability to compete with, and defeat. top-tier opponents. If they can create extra possessions and capitalize on scoring opportunities, the Aggies could be this year’s bracket-busting surprise.
UC San Diego Tritons (Big West Conference)
UC San Diego enters March Madness with one of the most impressive records of any mid-major team, finishing the season at 26-4 overall and 16-2 in the Big West Conference. The Tritons’ success is built on a defense-first mentality, regularly forcing turnovers and limiting opponents’ high-percentage shots.
However, defense alone won’t win games in the NCAA Tournament. Fortunately for UCSD, their ability to shoot efficiently from beyond the arc makes them a legitimate threat. If the Tritons can continue knocking down three-pointers at a high rate while maintaining their defensive intensity, they could pull off multiple upsets and ruin plenty of brackets along the way.
VCU Rams (Atlantic 10 Conference)
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is no stranger to Cinderella runs. The Rams have a history of exceeding expectations in March, and under head coach Ryan Odom, they have all the pieces to do it again. Odom is best known for leading No. 16 seed UMBC to a historic upset over No. 1 seed Virginia in 2018, the first time a 16-seed ever defeated a top seed in NCAA Tournament history.
This season, VCU relies heavily on the three-point shot, with nearly 47% of their field-goal attempts coming from beyond the arc (ranking 27th in the nation). On the defensive end, they effectively limit their opponents’ long-range shooting, allowing just 35% of three-point attempts to fall. This combination of aggressive offense and disciplined defense makes them a serious threat to any higher-seeded team they face.
Experience, strong coaching, and an aggressive playstyle make the Rams a prime candidate for another deep tournament run. If they get hot from three-point range, watch out, VCU could send a major program home early.
Selection Sunday is Approaching
March Madness is all about unpredictability, and these three teams have what it takes to bust brackets in 2025. Utah State’s ability to force turnovers, UC San Diego’s elite defense, and VCU’s three-point shooting all make them dangerous matchups for higher-seeded teams.
As Selection Sunday approaches, keep an eye on these potential Cinderella squads. If they catch fire at the right time, they could turn the NCAA Tournament upside down and give fans another unforgettable March Madness moment.
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