Historic Underdogs: Lowest Seeds in Men's NCAA Tournament

March Madness is one of the most thrilling events in sports, filled with unexpected twists and underdog triumphs. Since the men’s NCAA basketball tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, we’ve witnessed some incredible Cinderella stories.

This article delves into the history of the lowest seeds to make it to various stages of the tournament, from the Second Round to the Final Four, and even the championship game. Let’s explore these remarkable journeys and the teams that defied the odds to leave an indelible mark on college basketball history.

Table of Contents

The Unlikely Heroes of March Madness

March Madness is synonymous with unpredictability, and nothing embodies this more than low-seeded teams making deep tournament runs. These teams capture the hearts of fans and create unforgettable moments. Here’s a look at the lowest seeds to achieve significant milestones in the tournament.

Lowest Seed to Make the Second Round/Round of 32

History was made when No. 16 seeds finally broke through to the Second Round. The first to do so was UMBC in 2018, followed by FDU in 2023. These teams shocked the basketball world by defeating No. 1 seeds, proving that anything is possible in March Madness.

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Lowest Seed to Make the Sweet 16

The Sweet 16 has seen its share of low-seeded teams as well. The lowest seed to advance to this stage is No. 15, achieved by:

Florida Gulf Coast (2013)
Oral Roberts (2021)
Saint Peter’s (2022)
Princeton (2023)

These teams not only made it past the first weekend but also left a lasting impact on the tournament with their impressive performances.

Lowest Seed to Make the Elite Eight

Reaching the Elite Eight is a remarkable achievement for any team, but it’s especially noteworthy for a No. 15 seed. Saint Peter’s accomplished this feat in 2022, solidifying their place in March Madness lore.

Lowest Seed to Make the Final Four

Only seven double-digit seeds have ever made it to the Final Four since 1985. The lowest seed to achieve this is No. 11, with the following teams making history:

LSU (1986)
George Mason (2006)
VCU (2011)
Loyola Chicago (2018)
UCLA (2021)
NC State (2024)

Additionally, Syracuse reached the Final Four as a No. 10 seed in 2016, adding to the list of remarkable underdog stories.

Lowest Seed to Make the Championship Game

The highest seed to ever compete in the national championship game is a No. 8. This has happened four times, with the following teams:

Villanova (1985)
Butler (2011)
Kentucky (2014)
North Carolina (2022)

Villanova is the only team from this group to win the title, achieving this historic victory in 1985.

Notable Championship Game Upsets

The 1985 Villanova Wildcats stand out as the lowest-seeded team to win the national championship. As a No. 8 seed, they defeated the powerhouse No. 1 Georgetown Hoyas in a stunning upset. This victory remains one of the most memorable moments in NCAA tournament history.

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The 2014 Championship Game

The 2014 national championship game featured the highest total seed value, with No. 7 UConn facing No. 8 Kentucky. UConn emerged victorious, adding another layer of intrigue to the tournament’s storied history.

The Magic of March Madness

March Madness is a time when dreams come true, and underdogs rise to the occasion. The tournament’s format allows for surprises and upsets, making it one of the most exciting events in sports.

As we look forward to the 2025 tournament, starting with Selection Sunday on March 16 and culminating with the Final Four and championship game on April 5 and 7, we can’t help but wonder which team will be the next Cinderella story.

2025 March Madness Schedule

The 2025 March Madness tournament promises to be another thrilling edition.

The Sweet 16 games are scheduled for Friday, March 28. Fans are eagerly anticipating the action.

For the full schedule and bracket, you can check out the official NCAA website.

As we prepare for another unforgettable tournament, we celebrate the teams that have defied the odds and made history.

From the No. 16 seeds that shocked the world to the No. 8 seeds that reached the championship game, these stories remind us why we love March Madness.

Here’s to the next wave of unforgettable moments and the teams that will etch their names in the annals of college basketball history.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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