March Madness captivates billions of basketball fans each year. The high-stakes, win-or-go-home format lets underdogs challenge top teams, giving them the chance to upset the odds and embark on memorable Cinderella runs.
Over the years, a number of high seeds have made the Final Four, reached the championship game, and even won the national title.
Lowest Seeds to Reach the March Madness Final Four
A total of six No. 11 seeds have made it to the Final Four of March Madness over the years. LSU was the first in 1986, overcoming challenges like illness, injuries, a star player leaving, and academic ineligibility to produce a legendary Cinderella story.
The Tigers enjoyed a remarkable March Madness run, defeating No. 6 Purdue and No. 3 Memphis in the first two rounds before battling past No. 2 Georgia Tech and No. 1 Kentucky to make it to the Final Four. This incredible run came to an end in the semifinals, when LSU lost 88-77 to Louisville.
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This run was later matched by the George Mason Patriots in 2006. The Patriots defeated two heavyweights, Michigan State and the reigning national champion North Carolina Tar Heels, along with Wichita State and the Connecticut Huskies, before losing to the eventual champion Florida Gators in the Final Four.
The third team to make a Cinderella run to the Final Four as a No. 11 seed was VCU. Led by head coach Shaka Smart, VCU surged from the First Four to the Final Four, beating USC, Georgetown, Purdue, Florida State, and Kansas before losing to Butler in the semifinals.
Loyola Chicago became the fourth No. 11 seed to reach the Final Four, supported by its 98-year-old chaplain, Sister Jean. This special run saw the Ramblers defeat Miami (FL), Tennessee, Nevada, and Kansas State before their run ended against the Michigan Wolverines.
In 2021, Mick Cronin’s UCLA Bruins pulled off a spectacular run as they went from the First Four to the Final Four.
With future Miami Heat player Jaime Jaquez Jr. setting the tone, the Bruins overcame Michigan State, BYU, Abilene Christian, Alabama, and Michigan before falling narrowly short and losing in overtime in the Final Four against Gonzaga.
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The last No. 11 seed to make the Final Four was NC State in 2024. A slump in February and early March had left the Wolfpack entering the ACC Tournament with a 17-14 record. However, they turned things around and won the ACC Tournament as the 10th seed before embarking on another Cinderella run during March Madness.
NC State defeated Texas Tech, Oakland, Marquette, and Duke en route to the Final Four before suffering heartbreak against Purdue in the semifinals.
None of these teams managed to make the championship game, but they certainly left their mark on March Madness with their tenacity, resolve, and stunning runs as underdogs.
