12 Cinderella Teams That Captivated March Madness Fans

These 12 Cinderella teams defied the odds, busted brackets, and made March Madness unforgettable.

Sophia Zapanta
March 29, 2025
5 min read

12 Cinderella Teams That Captivated March Madness Fans — National Collegiate Athletic Association on Wikimedia Commons

Every year, an underdog captures the hearts of college basketball fans by taking down giants and making an improbable tournament run. These 12 Cinderella teams didn’t just pull off upsets—they became legends. From double-digit seeds shocking top teams to mid-majors reaching the Final Four, their magical runs proved that anything is possible in March.

1. UMBC (2018 – No. 16 Seed)

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No No. 16 seed had ever beaten a No. 1 seed—until UMBC shocked Virginia in 2018. Not only did they win, but they dominated, cruising to a 74-54 victory. It was the biggest upset in NCAA tournament history, instantly making UMBC a household name. Their run ended in the next round, but their legacy was sealed forever.

2. George Mason (2006 – No. 11 Seed)

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As a mid-major, George Mason wasn’t supposed to make it past the first weekend. Instead, they took down Michigan State, North Carolina, and UConn on their way to an improbable Final Four. The Patriots’ stunning run put mid-majors on the map and proved that the little guys could hang with the best. Their magical journey ended against Florida, but their impact still echoes today.

3. Loyola Chicago (2018 – No. 11 Seed)

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Led by 98-year-old Sister Jean and a roster full of fearless players, Loyola Chicago became America’s team in 2018. They won their first three games on last-second shots, proving their luck and skill were equally authentic. The Ramblers reached the Final Four, knocking off Miami, Tennessee, Nevada, and Kansas State along the way. Sister Jean became a national celebrity, and Loyola’s run remains one of the best in tournament history.

4. Florida Gulf Coast (2013 – No. 15 Seed)

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“Dunk City” took the 2013 tournament by storm, throwing down highlight-reel dunks while shocking Georgetown and San Diego State. They became the first No. 15 seed ever to reach the Sweet 16, playing with a swagger no one expected. Their high-flying, up-tempo style made them instant fan favorites. Though their run ended against Florida, FGCU’s Cinderella story remains one of the most exciting.

5. Butler (2010 & 2011 – No. 5 & No. 8 Seed)

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Butler wasn’t just a Cinderella once—they did it two years in a row. In 2010, they made a shocking run to the national championship game and came within inches of beating Duke. They did it again a year later, proving they were more than a one-hit wonder. Their back-to-back Finals appearances changed how people viewed mid-majors forever.

6. Saint Peter’s (2022 – No. 15 Seed)

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The Peacocks weren’t just a Cinderella—they were the Cinderella of 2022. As a No. 15 seed, they stunned Kentucky in the first round, then kept the magic alive by beating Murray State and Purdue. Their fearless play and confident attitude made them instant fan favorites. They became the first 15-seed ever to reach the Elite Eight, making history in the process.

7. Davidson (2008 – No. 10 Seed)

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Before Steph Curry was an NBA superstar, he was a March Madness legend. In 2008, he led No. 10-seeded Davidson on a wild run, taking down Gonzaga, Georgetown, and Wisconsin. Curry’s scoring outbursts made him a national sensation and nearly carried Davidson to the Final Four. Though they fell short, their story—and Curry’s rise—became legendary.

8. VCU (2011 – No. 11 Seed)

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VCU had to win a First Four game to make the tournament—then they went all the way to the Final Four. Led by coach Shaka Smart and his “Havoc” defense, they tore through Georgetown, Purdue, Florida State, and Kansas. The Rams’ shocking run proved that the play-in teams weren’t just fillers. They fell to Butler in the Final Four, but their legacy as a Cinderella was secured.

9. NC State (1983 – No. 6 Seed)

North Carolina State University

In the original Cinderella story, NC State wasn’t supposed to win it all—but they did. Coached by the legendary Jim Valvano, they pulled off upset after upset, including a shocking win over Houston’s Phi Slama Jama in the championship game. Lorenzo Charles’ last-second dunk sealed the title and created one of the most iconic moments in sports history. Valvano’s unforgettable celebration and speech made this one of March Madness’ most incredible stories.

10. Syracuse (2016 – No. 10 Seed)

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Syracuse barely made the tournament and was criticized for even getting in. Then, they went on a shocking run to the Final Four, taking down Dayton, Middle Tennessee, Gonzaga, and Virginia. Their aggressive zone defense and clutch shooting proved too much for higher-seeded teams. Even though they lost in the Final Four, their run silenced all doubters.

11. LSU (1986 – No. 11 Seed)

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LSU became the first No. 11 seed to reach the Final Four, paving the way for future Cinderella runs. They knocked off No. 1-seeded Kentucky and No. 2-seeded Georgia Tech in one of the most unlikely upsets in history. The Tigers’ magical ride ended against Louisville, but they proved anything was possible. Their historic run set the standard for future underdogs.

12. Princeton (1996 – No. 13 Seed)

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Princeton’s shocking upset over defending champion UCLA in 1996 was straight out of a fairy tale. The Tigers, coached by Pete Carril, ran their signature Princeton offense to perfection, slowing the game down and frustrating UCLA. They scored a backdoor layup in the final seconds to seal the 43-41 win. It remains one of the greatest upsets in tournament history and solidified Princeton as a true Cinderella.