You’ve likely come across discussions or analyses regarding the state of Cinderella stories in the NCAA Tournament. Some argue that underdog narratives, often seen during March Madness, are fading in light of recent changes in sports, especially considering NIL and transfer policies.

A lot of commentators have suggested that with the current setup, Cinderella has met her end. While this year’s Sweet 16 features an all high-major lineup, it doesn’t necessarily signify the end of her legacy. It’s worth remembering that the essence of unforgettable underdog moments persists, as the recent tournament history illustrates.

The narrative of Cinderella’s demise appears especially strong with the emergence of high-major teams dominating the late stages of March Madness. Yet, despite this year’s unusual lineup, the presence of previous shocking runs and unpredictable successes in recent tournaments suggest that underdog tales aren’t finished yet.

As we evaluate this year’s tournament, we remind ourselves of previous unexpected victories wherein teams like Saint Peter’s and FDU recently caught everyone off guard. While the initial reactions may point towards a lack of underdog success, those stories are likely to emerge again in the near future, proving that the spirit of surprises in March Madness continues to thrive.