4 Underdogs in NCAA Tournament Face Steep Climbs

In the 2025-26 NCAA mens basketball tournament, four number thirteen seeds face daunting challenges against top-four opponents. Cal Baptist, Hawaii, Hofstra, and Troy are massive underdogs, with double-digit spreads against Kansas, Arkansas, Alabama, and Nebraska, respectively. Historically, thirteen seeds have won only a fraction of first-round games, but recent upsets like Furman and Yale offer hope. These teams bring momentum, with Cal Baptist on a win streak, Troy with back-to-back titles, Hawaiis big man, and Hofstras top-twenty defense. Experts see Troy as the slimmest long shot for a surprise, but all face steep climbs in this intriguing tournament. Support the show: Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: [email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/27b524d2935fde8b