News - Underdogs Ready to Shine: Mid-Majors Eye March Madness Glory

The excitement of March Madness never ceases, with mid-major teams often providing some of the best storylines by toppling giants in the early stages of the NCAA Tournament. In recent years, the landscape of men's college basketball has become more balanced, owing to the rise of the transfer portal and the evolution of athlete compensation through revenue-sharing and NIL deals. This environment has sown the seeds for even greater parity between traditionally powerful programs and their mid-major counterparts. The 2025-26 college basketball season has been remarkable, setting the stage for a highly anticipated NCAA Tournament. While top seeds from powerhouse conferences are poised to make their mark, five mid-major teams are primed to make deep runs in this year's bracket. These contenders, excluding the perennial powerhouse Gonzaga, which is now seen almost as a major in terms of basketball status, bring compelling stories and formidable skill sets. **Saint Louis Billikens** - **Conference**: Atlantic 10 - **Record**: 23-1 - **AP top-25 Ranking**: No. 18 - **NCAA NET Ranking**: No. 16 - **KenPom Rating**: No. 24 Leading the charge is Saint Louis, a team that has dominated the Atlantic 10 this season. Their balanced approach, excelling in both offense and defense, makes them a formidable opponent. They have been incredibly efficient, particularly notable for their daunting 91.0 points per game, a testament to their offensive firepower. **Saint Mary's Gaels** - **Conference**: West Coast Conference - **Record**: 22-4 - **AP Top-25 Ranking**: Receiving votes (1) - **NCAA NET Ranking**: No. 28 - **KenPom Rating**: No. 31 While the Gaels haven't fared well in their quadrant-one battles with a 0-3 record, their defensive prowess is undeniable. Ranked inside the top 10 nationally for defense, their capability to stifle opponents could prove vital during the tournament grind. **San Diego State Aztecs** - **Conference**: Mountain West - **Record**: 17-6 - **AP top-25 Ranking**: N/A - **NCAA NET Ranking**: No. 42 - **KenPom Rating**: No. 43 San Diego State has faced stiff competition, evidenced by their nine games against top-tier competition, though they've had mixed results. The Aztecs' defense is their hallmark, making them a constant threat to disrupt offensively-minded teams. **Santa Clara Broncos** - **Conference**: West Coast Conference - **Record**: 22-5 - **AP top-25 Ranking**: Receiving votes (2) - **NCAA NET Ranking**: No. 41 - **KenPom Rating**: No. 38 As a high-scoring team, Santa Clara brings a potent offensive lineup. Positioned as a leading contender within their conference, they are capable of engaging in high-tempo matchups. **Utah State Aggies** - **Conference**: Mountain West - **Record**: 21-3 - **AP top-25 Ranking**: Receiving votes (15) - **NCAA NET Ranking**: No. 23 - **KenPom Rating**: No. 25 Utah State ranks as one of the most all-rounded teams, with strength on both ends of the court. They are consistent performers in high-stakes games, making them a true dark horse. With their impressive records and tactical prowess, these mid-major teams stand ready to challenge, and perhaps, rewrite the narratives in the upcoming March Madness.