If you’re like me, pencil in your mouth, staring at your bracket, wondering just how far it’s smart to take two-time defending national champion UConn in this year’s NCAA Tournament, you’re not alone. The Huskies are a No. 8 seed in this year’s field, and while it may seem like an unfavorable draw, with an evenly matched opponent in Round 1 and a No. 1 seed waiting in Round 2, there’s still plenty of hope. It’s called March Madness for a reason, you know.
Eight seeds have gone on incredible runs through the NCAA Tournament in the past, and even though the road is quite difficult, knocking out a No. 1 seed in Round 2 can provide a team with the confidence—and the clear path—it needs to march all the way to the Final Four. Here’s a look back at some of the most memorable 8-seed runs in NCAA men’s basketball tournament history.
In 2022, North Carolina had a storied journey as an underdog. Perhaps you recall the Tar Heels' First Four smackdown of San Diego State, which was a shock to many. Given head coach Hubert Davis's history as an underdog in the NCAA Tournament, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise that they made it far. Davis guided the Tar Heels to the brink of a national championship in his first season by upsetting top-seeded Baylor, beating No. 4 UCLA, and then ending 15th-seeded St. Peter’s miracle run in the Elite Eight. Led by Caleb Love, RJ Davis, and Armando Bacot, UNC ended coach Mike Krzyzewski’s career in the Final Four, triumphing over Duke 81-77 in what was a game for Tar Heels fans to cherish. Unfortunately, they lost to Kansas after leading 40-25 at halftime.
In 2014, Kentucky showcased how an 8-seed could shine in the tournament. Coached by John Calipari, the Wildcats struggled early on in the season but turned their fortunes around as the tournament approached. They became a popular pick to make a deep run when the brackets were revealed and did not disappoint. The team, featuring stars like Julius Randle and the Harrison twins, knocked out previously unbeaten No. 1 seed Wichita State in the second round and marched all the way to the national title game. Ultimately, UConn was too much for them, besting Kentucky 60-54 for the program’s fourth title.
Looking back to 2011, Butler found themselves in the spotlight again. Having just come off an appearance in the national title game the previous year, the Bulldogs were considered underrated yet again. Despite losing star player Gordon Hayward to the NBA, Butler boasted a solid roster featuring Shelvin Mack and Matt Howard. They embarked on another stirring run straight to the national title game. Butler upset No. 1 Pittsburgh in the second round in a wild finish when Howard was fouled with just 0.8 seconds left in a tied game. The Bulldogs ultimately lost to UConn in that title game, but they certainly captured the hearts of many along the way.
In the 2000 tournament, Wisconsin, led by coach Dick Bennett, made history by reaching their first Final Four in 59 years. The Badgers had something to prove, earning an at-large bid after going 22-14 and 8-8 in the Big Ten. They stunned No. 1 Arizona in the second round and continued their journey by defeating LSU and Purdue before falling in the national semifinals to Michigan State, the eventual champion.
Also in 2000, North Carolina took their turn at showcasing the strength of an 8-seed. That year, in head coach Bill Guthridge’s first year at the helm after replacing the legendary Dean Smith, the Tar Heels managed to unite and excel despite a challenging regular season. This talented squad, featuring Joe Forte, Brendan Haywood, Jason Capel, and Ed Cota, upset top-seeded Stanford in the second round and took down 7th-seeded Tulsa in the Elite Eight. However, their journey ended when they faced Florida in the national semifinals.
Diving further back into the annals of NCAA history, Villanova in 1985 remains the only 8-seed to ever capture the national championship. Under the guidance of coach Rollie Massimino, the Wildcats were considered the original Cinderella story. After finishing 9-7 in the Big East, they were an at-large selection in the tournament and pulled off a stunning upset of top-seeded Michigan in the second round. Villanova continued their surprising run through the Sweet 16, defeating Maryland, and toppled North Carolina to reach the Final Four. The Wildcats executed what would be known as the 'Perfect Game' against Georgetown in the championship, going 22 for 27 from the field and sealing the win 66-64.
As UConn approaches its journey in the 2025 NCAA Tournament as an 8-seed, they reflect on their own history, including past seasons when they battled through difficult brackets. While the Huskies have never been a No. 8 seed before, their exploits as a higher seed show they have what it takes to prevail in high-pressure situations.
With numerous historical examples to draw from, UConn has the potential to make waves in this year's tournament. March Madness is known for surprises and exhilarating upsets, and 8-seeds have historically thrived in the face of adversity. Whether UConn can recreate the magic of their predecessors remains to be seen, but as the brackets unfold, hope certainly springs eternal within the ranks of Husky fans.
