Every year, March Madness delivers shocking upsets and deep runs from teams outside the Power Five conferences. While traditional blue bloods dominate the headlines, mid-majors often steal the show with their grit and experienced rosters. The 2025 NCAA Tournament is no different, with several non-Power Five programs bound to disrupt brackets. Strong defense, elite shooting, and momentum heading into the tournament make these teams dangerous underdogs. Here are five mid-major squads that have the potential to do some serious damage this March.
1. Drake Bulldogs
Record: 30-3 (17-3 MVC) | Key Stats: 70.1 PPG, 58.4 PPG allowed, +5.9 rebound margin
Drake clinched their third consecutive Missouri Valley Conference title with a 63-48 victory over Bradley. The Bulldogs’ defense has been stellar, limiting opponents to 58.4 points per game, ranking them second nationally in scoring defense. Offensively, they average 70.1 points per game, shooting 48.1% from the field. Their rebounding margin of +5.9 demonstrates their dominance on the boards.
2. Lipscomb Bisons
Record: 25-9 (14-4 ASUN) | Key Stats: 79.3 PPG, 67.3 PPG allowed, 35.9 RPG
Lipscomb secured their second NCAA Tournament appearance by winning the Atlantic Sun Conference championship against North Alabama, 76-65. The Bisons boast an intense offense, averaging 79.3 points per game, with a field goal percentage of 47.3%. Defensively, they hold opponents to 67.3 points per game and maintain a rebounding average of 35.9 per game.
3. High Point Panthers
Record: 29-5 (14-2 Big South) | Key Stats: 82.2 PPG, 68.8 PPG allowed, +5.7 rebound margin
High Point earned their first NCAA Tournament berth by overcoming a halftime deficit to defeat Winthrop 81-69 in the Big South championship. The Panthers have an explosive offense, averaging 82.2 points per game on 49.4% shooting. Defensively, they allow 68.8 points per game and have a strong rebounding margin of +5.7. We’ve seen these same types of mid-major teams make runs year after year. Do not be surprised if High Point makes some noise in the tournament this year.
4. McNeese Cowboys
Record: 25-6 (19-1 Southland) | Key Stats: 78.5 PPG, 64.2 PPG allowed, +6.3 turnover margin
McNeese dominated the Southland Conference under second-year head coach Will Wade, finishing with a 19-1 conference record. The Cowboys’ offense is the best in the conference, averaging 78.5 points per game, while their defense is equally impressive, allowing just 64.2 points per game. Their +6.3 turnover margin indicates their ability to pressure opponents and shows that they can handle the pressure of an athletic Power-5 team.
5. VCU Rams
Record: 23-8 (14-4 A-10) | Key Stats: 62.7 PPG allowed, top 25 in defensive efficiency
VCU’s success is anchored in their defense, allowing just 62.7 points per game and ranking in the top 25 nationally in defensive efficiency. Their ability to disrupt opponents’ offenses and control the game is what will determine their success in the tournament. They are the 1 seed in the A-10 conference tournament and expect them to win it and get hot leading up to the tournament.
March Madness is simply unpredictable, but these five teams have the skills to shake up the tournament. Whether it’s Drake’s suffocating defense, Lipscomb’s lethal three-point shooting, or High Point’s high-powered offense, each squad has a clear strength that can fuel a Cinderella run. As the tournament unfolds, don’t be surprised if one of these teams crashes the Sweet 16—or even beyond. As we get deeper into March, a non-Power Five squad will likely once again be the story of March.
