The Magic of March Madness: The Biggest Underdogs in NCAA Tournament History
March Madness is a time when the impossible becomes possible, and the NCAA Tournament never fails to deliver unforgettable moments. With conference tournaments underway and the main event just around the corner, the excitement is palpable. But what truly defines the "madness" of this iconic event? It’s the underdogs—those teams that defy expectations, stun heavily favored opponents, and etch their names into the history books. Since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, some of the most incredible upsets have occurred, with underdogs overcoming astronomical odds to pull off victories that fans still talk about decades later. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 biggest upset victories in NCAA Tournament history, focusing on teams that were at least 15-point underdogs but still managed to secure outright wins.
15th-Seeded Oral Roberts: A Program-Changing Victory
The 2021 NCAA Tournament will always be remembered for Oral Roberts’ stunning upset over Ohio State. As 15-seed underdogs with a 15-point deficit on the spread, the Golden Eagles pulled off a thrilling 75-72 overtime victory in the Round of 64. Led by Max Abmas and Kevin Obanor, who combined for an incredible 59 points, Oral Roberts became just the ninth 15-seed in history to win a first-round game. Their run didn’t stop there; they went on to the Sweet 16, narrowly losing to Arkansas in a two-point heartbreaker. This upset marked a turning point for the program, proving that even the smallest schools can make a big impact on the biggest stage.
Princeton, Middle Tennessee, and the Legacy of 15 vs. 2 Upsets
Princeton’s 2021 victory over Arizona is another testament to the power of underdogs. As 15-seed newcomers to the Sweet 16 since 1998, the Tigers shocked the basketball world with a 59-55 win over a high-powered Arizona team fresh off a Pac-12 Tournament championship. Tosan Evbuomwan’s leadership and Princeton’s stifling defense, which held Arizona scoreless for the final 4:43, were key to their success. Similarly, Middle Tennessee State made history in 2016 by defeating second-seeded Michigan State as 17-point underdogs. The Blue Raiders’ balanced attack, with four players scoring 15+ points, secured a 90-81 victory. Both teams proved that even the most unlikely of opponents can silence the giants of college basketball.
Little Rock and Hampton: Historic Upsets in the Early Years
The 1980s and 90s saw some of the most memorable upsets in NCAA Tournament history. Little Rock, a 14-seed, shocked third-seeded Notre Dame in 1986 with a 90-83 victory. Michael Clarke, Myron Jackson, and Pete Myers each scored over 20 points, leading the Trojans to a historic win. Just five years later, Hampton, a 15-seed, pulled off a 58-57 victory over second-seeded Iowa State. Despite trailing by 11 points, the Pirates ended the game on a 14-2 run, with Tarvis Williams hitting the game-winning shot. Both teams set the tone for what was to come in future tournaments, proving that lower-seeded teams were capable of achieving the unthinkable.
Coppin State and Saint Peter’s: Breaking Barriers and Expectations
The 1990s also witnessed another groundbreaking upset when Coppin State, a 15-seed, defeated second-seeded South Carolina by 13 points in 1997. Antoine Brockington and Danny Singletary combined for 42 points and eight steals, leading the Eagles to a dominating 81-67 victory. This marked the first time a 15-seed had won by double digits, cementing Coppin State’s place in NCAA Tournament lore. Fast-forward to 2022, and Saint Peter’s became the first 15-seed to ever reach the Elite 8 after defeating Kentucky, a 20-point favorite, in the first round. Shaheen Holloway’s Peacocks rode this momentum all the way to the Elite 8, losing to North Carolina in their final game. Their run will forever inspire smaller programs to chase greatness.
Santa Clara and UMBC: Making History as 15- and 16-Seeds
The 1990s also saw one of the most improbable upsets in NCAA history when Santa Clara, a 15-seed, stunned second-seeded Arizona in 1993. Despite being 20-point underdogs, the Broncos emerged victorious in a 64-61 nail-biter. Future NBA legend Steve Nash, though held to just 1-for-7 shooting, contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, showcasing his leadership and determination. This victory remains one of the greatest upsets of all time. Years later, UMBC made history in 2018 by becoming the first 16-seed to ever defeat a 1-seed, thrashing Virginia 74-54. This victory shattered the notion that a 1-seed was unbeatable and remains one of the most talked-about moments in sports history.
Norfolk State, FDU, and the Legacy of the Underdogs
The 2010s and 2020s brought even more excitement to the NCAA Tournament. Norfolk State, a 15-seed, stunned second-seeded Missouri in 2012 as 21.5-point underdogs. Kyle O’Quinn’s dominance and the Spartans’ sharp shooting led to an 86-84 victory, one of the wildest games in tournament history. Just 11 years later, Fairleigh Dickinson, a 16-seed, pulled off another historic upset by defeating Purdue in 2023. The Knights, the shortest team in Division I, took down the towering Boilermakers, led by All-American Zach Edey, in a 63-58 victory. Both teams reminded the world that size, rankings, and expectations mean little in March.
Conclusion: The Power of March Madness
The NCAA Tournament is a celebration of hope, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of sports. These 10 underdog victories remind us that March Madness is about more than just basketball—it’s about the human spirit, determination, and the belief that anything is possible. As we look forward to the next chapter of this beloved tournament, one thing is certain: the underdogs will continue to write history, inspire fans, and make March the most magical time of the year.
