Which under-the-radar team will capture the nation’s imagination this year? Here are three mid-majors that could make a tournament splash in 2025. 🏀 Drake Bulldogs (Missouri Valley)
📊 Record: 26-3 | 🏆 Projected Seed: 10-11
Drake isn’t just another small-school powerhouse.
Head coach Ben McCollum, a Division 2 legend, rebuilt this team from scratch after taking over in April.
▪️Six of Drake’s top eight players came from Division 2.
▪️They’ve already beaten Vanderbilt, Kansas State, and Miami.
Drake is built for March—underrated talent, experienced transfers, and a coach who wins everywhere he goes.
They could make the dance even without an auto bid—which is rare for a mid-major.
Watch out for this 10 or 11-seed to pull off an upset.
🏀 UC-San Diego Tritons (Big West)
📊 Record: 25-4 | 🏆 Projected Seed: 10-12
Five years ago, UCSD wasn’t even eligible for the NCAA Tournament. Now? They’re ranked No. 35 in the NET, have a signature win at Utah State, and are stacked with former Division 2 stars.
Coach Eric Olen never abandoned his D2 connections, and it’s paying off big time.
This team plays disciplined, efficient basketball. If they sneak into the field as a 10-12 seed, they’re built to win a first-round game.
🏀 High Point Panthers (Big South)
📊 Record: 26-5 | 🏆 Projected Seed: 12-13
Last year, High Point blew a double-digit lead in the conference tournament and missed its first-ever NCAA bid.
This year? It doesn’t look like they’ll let that happen. The Panthers have:
▪️ Back-to-back 26-win seasons.
▪️ A deep roster full of high-major transfers.
▪️ Head coach Alan Huss (former Creighton player & assistant) who has transformed this team.
They must win their conference tournament to make the field—but if they do, they’ll be a dangerous 12 or 13 seed.
Why These Teams Matter for Your Bracket
✔️ Experienced transfers can give them an edge over young Power 5 teams
✔️ Most are battle-tested vs. tough competition (Drake, UCSD, and High Point all have quality wins).
✔️ Teams highly motivated to prove themselves on the big stage—exactly what you want in a Cinderella pick.
Be sure to bookmark these teams. Because when your bracket is on the line, you’ll want to remember who this year’s Loyola, Butler, and George Mason could be.
