Stephen A. Smith warns NCAA Tournament's lack of upsets threatens college basketball's future

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has raised alarms over the predictability of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, expressing concerns that a lack of Cinderella stories could signal the demise of college basketball. With all No. 1 seeds and most No. 2 seeds advancing to the Sweet 16, Smith argues that the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal has concentrated talent among top-tier programs, diminishing opportunities for mid-major teams. He emphasized that the charm of March Madness lies in its unpredictability and the potential for upsets, which have been scarce this year. Despite record ratings for major matchups, Smith worries that the absence of underdog victories diminishes the tournament's long-term appeal. Analysts and fans alike are debating the impact of these changes, with some fearing that the days of memorable Cinderella runs may be over. Others, however, remain hopeful for a return of the underdogs in future tournaments.