March Madness is finally here, and with it comes the excitement, heartbreak, and pure unpredictability that defines the NCAA Tournament. Fans love the spectacle of buzzer-beaters and dominant performances from powerhouse programs, but nothing captures the spirit of March quite like a true Cinderella story.Every year, lower-seeded teams defy expectations, pull off shocking upsets, and make deep tournament runs that become legendary. We’ve identified five teams with the potential to bust brackets and capture the hearts of fans in 2025: UC San Diego, Grand Canyon, Drake, UNC-Wilmington, and VCU.Read on for our analysis of why each team could make a surprising run in this year’s tournament. At the end of the article, vote for your favorite Cinderella team and join the conversation using #MarchMadnessCinderella2025 on social media!And if you’re looking for expert betting strategies, bracket insights, and tips to maximize your winnings, don’t forget to check out my book, Madness, Money, and Mayhem—Your Ultimate Guide to Betting March Madness on UltimateMarchMadness.com.—What Makes a Team a Cinderella?Cinderella teams are typically seeded 9 or lower, with most legendary runs coming from No. 11 to No. 16 seeds. These teams aren’t expected to survive the first round, let alone reach the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, or beyond. However, certain factors—such as experience, defense, elite shooting, or an exploitable matchup—make them prime upset candidates.Some of the most iconic Cinderella teams in NCAA history include:Villanova (1985, No. 8 seed) – Won the national championship in one of the biggest upsets ever.George Mason (2006, No. 11 seed) – Advanced to the Final Four, shocking blue-blood programs along the way.Florida Gulf Coast (2013, No. 15 seed) – “Dunk City” captivated fans with their high-flying plays and Sweet 16 run.Saint Peter’s (2022, No. 15 seed) – Took down No. 2 Kentucky and made it all the way to the Elite Eight.Now, let’s dive into our top five Cinderella candidates for 2025!—1. UC San Diego (No. 12 Seed) vs. Michigan (No. 5 Seed)Why They Could Be This Year’s Cinderella:First-time tournament participant – Newcomers with nothing to lose often play loose and fearless.Elite defense – Ranked 2nd nationally in turnover rate, meaning they force mistakes and capitalize.Favorable matchup – Michigan struggles with turnovers, ranking near the bottom in the Big Ten.Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones – The Tritons’ star player leads the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists, making him a game-changer.Bottom Line:First-time tourney teams often surprise. If UC San Diego can disrupt Michigan’s offense and limit their own mistakes, a historic upset could be in the making.—2. Grand Canyon (No. 13 Seed) vs. Maryland (No. 4 Seed)Why They Could Be This Year’s Cinderella:Recent history of upsets – Took down No. 5 St. Mary’s in last year’s tournament.Aggressive, high-pressure defense – Known for forcing turnovers and fast-break scoring.Maryland’s inconsistency – The Terrapins have struggled against teams with high defensive intensity.JaKobe Coles – Grand Canyon’s standout scorer, who thrives in clutch moments.Bottom Line:Grand Canyon is no stranger to March Madness upsets. If their defense rattles Maryland early, they could dominate the tempo and move on.—3. Drake (No. 11 Seed) vs. Mississippi (No. 6 Seed)Why They Could Be This Year’s Cinderella:Experienced roster – Older teams often fare better in March.Potent offense – Drake can control the game’s pace and score in bunches.Matchup advantage – Mississippi struggles against teams that slow the tempo and emphasize half-court execution.Bennett Stirtz – The team’s leading scorer and floor general, who thrives in big moments.Bottom Line:Drake has the experience, scoring ability, and matchup advantages to pull off an upset against Mississippi. Look for them as a sleeper pick in your bracket.—4. UNC-Wilmington (No. 12 Seed) vs. Texas Tech (No. 3 Seed)Why They Could Be This Year’s Cinderella:CAA tournament champions – Winning their conference tournament proves they can handle pressure.Veteran team – An experienced lineup means fewer mistakes in big moments.Texas Tech’s vulnerability – They have struggled when facing teams that excel at perimeter defense.Donovan Newby – A consistent performer who could be a difference-maker in a tight game.Bottom Line:UNC-Wilmington has all the ingredients of a Cinderella team—tournament-tested, disciplined, and dangerous from three-point range.—5. VCU (No. 12 Seed) vs. Auburn (No. 1 Seed)Why They Could Be This Year’s Cinderella:Rich history of deep tournament runs – VCU made the Final Four in 2011 as an 11-seed.Tough, physical defense – Can disrupt even elite teams with their aggressive full-court press.Playing without fear – As a No. 12 seed facing a No. 1, they have nothing to lose and everything to gain.Bottom Line:While taking down a No. 1 seed is no small task, VCU’s defense-first mentality and tournament pedigree make them a threat. If Auburn underestimates them, they could be in for a surprise.—Who Will Be This Year’s Cinderella? Vote Now!Which of these teams do you think has the best shot at making a deep run? Cast your vote below and share your pick on social media using #MarchMadnessCinderella2025!📊 VOTE NOW🏀 Tag @UltimateMarchMadness and join the conversation!—Want to Make Smarter Bets on March Madness? 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