This year’s NCAA Tournament showcased mid-major talents, mostly seen now with high-major programs due to the transfer portal. 17 players from the Final Four teams transitioned from smaller schools, with notable names like Johni Broome and Walter Clayton Jr. taking the spotlight. Indiana, Houston, Auburn, and Duke have recruited several standout transfers, shifting the dynamics of collegiate basketball and the definition of Cinderella stories. The trend highlights how top programs are capitalizing on talent from mid-majors, reinforcing their competitive edge in March Madness.

By the Numbers

• 17 players from Final Four teams transferred from smaller schools.
• 9 of those players were former mid-major stars, including All-Americans.

State of Play

• Top teams have significantly benefited from mid-major transfers this season.
• Programs like Auburn and Duke are integrating multiple transfers into their core teams for enhanced performance.

What’s Next

The continued use of the transfer portal is expected to reshape future NCAA tournaments, with more mid-major stars likely shifting to high-major programs. This could further dilute traditional Cinderella runs and increase the dominance of elite teams.

Bottom Line

Programs leveraging transfers from mid-majors are redefining success in March Madness, shifting focus from traditional underdog narratives to a new dynamic where top teams continue to attract and develop established talents.