Concerns grow over lack of underdogs in March Madness

March Madness is in full swing, but it has not gone as many expected this year. Only 16 teams remain in the tournament after the first two rounds. Traditionally, this event features surprise teams called "Cinderella" squads, which often make deep runs. This year, however, no underdog teams advanced past the second round. Analysts have pointed to the new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules as a key factor in this trend. Clay Travis from Fox Sports stated that NIL is hurting smaller schools. He noted that many talented players are drawn to large programs that can offer big money, leaving mid-major schools at a disadvantage. A significant portion of the teams still in the tournament come from power conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12. Stephen A. Smith echoed these concerns, suggesting that the lack of Cinderella teams could spell trouble for the tournament's future. He emphasized that the excitement of March Madness comes from the possibility of unexpected victories. If mid-major players are lured away by offers from major colleges, this could diminish the tournament's appeal. The NCAA Tournament has historically been a platform for lesser-known players to shine. However, if rising stars are more focused on transferring to bigger schools, the excitement of underdog stories may fade. While the tournament may still feature thrilling matchups, the true spirit of March Madness lies in the surprises that often characterize this annual event.