Dick Vitale’s 5 Men’s College Basketball Mid-Majors to Watch

Hey, hoops fans! You know me, I love talking about the big boys of college basketball — and, yes, Kansas looks like a powerhouse for the 2024-25 season. But let’s make some big time noises who don’t sleep on the little boys March Madness, baby!

We’ve prepared some mid-majors to dance Sweet 16 and beyond. Here are five teams to keep an eye on when the new season tips off on November 4:

1. McNeese Cowboys

The Cowboys had a breakout season last year under coach Will Wade, going 30-4 and earning a 12-seed in the NCAA Tournament — their first appearance in more than 20 years. They fell to Gonzaga, but hey, that experience is golden. This year, they reloaded with Brandon Murray from Georgetown and Ole Miss and Syracuse’s Kadir Copeland, who was second in ACC Sixth Man of the Year voting. With a tough schedule that includes Alabama and Mississippi State, the Cowboys are poised to get some big wins.

2. St. Louis Billikens

What a move, baby! St. Louis nabbed Josh Schertz from Indiana State, and he’s bringing some serious talent with him, including Robbie Avila, who was a beast last season with 17.6 points per game. Add Isaiah Swope (Indiana State), Kobe Johnson (West Virginia), AJ Casey (Miami) and Josiah Dotzler (Creighton) and you have a team ready to rock the A-10. With Gibson Jimerson and Larry Hughes II returning to the fold, the Billikens are looking to end a six-year NCAA Tournament drought.

the game

Robbie Avila’s best play of the season

Take a look at some of the best plays of Robbie Avila’s season at Indiana State as he enters the transfer portal on Tuesday.

3. Loyola Marymount Lions

Watch out, West Coast Conference: It’s not just Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s anymore. The Lions return some serious talent in Jevon Porter (Pepperdine), Myron Amey Jr. (San Jose State), Jan Weed (UCLA) and Matar Diop (Nebraska). Porter was the top transfer, averaging 16.2 points last season, and Amey is a dynamite guard. Freshman Jael Martin brings length and versatility, and the Lions are roaring for their first tournament appearance in over 30 years!

4. Grand Canyon Lopes

Bryce Drew is working magic in the desert. After a 30-5 season and an upset over Saint Mary’s in the NCAA Tournament, Lopes is looking to go even further. They added Jakobe Coles (TCU), Makaih Williams (UT Arlington) and Dennis Evans (Louisville). Coles is a seasoned vet and Williams was the WAC Freshman of the Year. With this squad, the sweet 16 is within reach.

5. Loyola Chicago Ramblers

Sister Jean, we love you! The Ramblers are back and coach Drew Valentine is trending with their top 50 recruiting class. Freshmen Sefeldin Hendawi and Daniil Glazkov are turning heads, and Portal has been good for them with Justin Moore (Drexel), Kimani Hounsou (Washington State), Jalen DeLoach (Georgia) and Francis Nwaokori (UC San Diego) joining the ranks. With only one player lost to the transfer portal, the Ramblers are ready to make some noise again.

And, don’t forget about the James Madison Dukes, UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, George Mason Patriots and those VCU Rams. These mid-majors are ready to rock. Get your popcorn ready because this season is going to be a blast!