Louisiana’s Lone Hope: McNeese State & Their March Madness Dream

If you're a sports fan, this is one of the best times of the year. Opening Day for baseball is right around the corner, the NBA & NHL playoffs are on the horizon, the NFL draft is coming up and one of the most electric events in the country is about to kick off, The NCAA Tournament.

However, I'm not a religious college basketball fan. I really only tune in during 'March Madness'. So, I have to admit, I was shocked to only see one Louisiana college on the men's Bracketology projections. Even more shockingly, it wasn't LSU. It's wasn't LA Tech. It wasn't even the Rajun Cajuns.

It appears that the only Louisiana team projected to hit the NCAA Tournament this year are the Southland Conference's McNeese State Cowboys.

Who are the McNeese State Cowboys?

If you're a fan of the Northwestern State Demons down in Natchitoches, you're probably familiar with the McNeese State Cowboys as they are a similar sized college and rivals in the Southland Conference. McNeese is located in Lake Charles and is led by former LSU head coach Will Wade.

And, I have to admit, that I didn't know much about McNeese. But, after a little research, they may be my sentimental favorite to win this year. Heck, from what I just saw on X, they may be America's sentimental pick.

The team just has a vibe about them - from the head coach down to the team manager. Seriously, how many other college programs can you think of where the team manager is an internet sensation with his own merch? There's something special going on down in Lake Charles.

Oh, and they happen to be pretty darn good at basketball.

Will McNeese Be Able to Win in the 1st Round?

McNeese has 'vibes' for day. After unceremoniously parting ways with LSU, Will Wade has a point to prove. The team has been impressive all year long going 18-1 in the Southland Conference and 24-6 overall.

However, as magical as this season has apparently been on multiple levels, there is a catch - it seems like against NCAA tourney hopefuls, they've struggled. Lost to Liberty who is currently projected to make the tournament. Lost to rank teams like Alabama and Mississippi State. So, just by checking the box scores, it looks like they can hang with these teams but they've struggled to pick up a signature win.

Currently, they are projected to be a 12 seed and take on the 5 seed Maryland Terrapins in the 1st round. Can they win this game? Only time will tell. However, if they do manage to beat their 1st round opponent, it'll be a historic victory. In the school's history, they've only made the tournament 3 times (1989, 2002, and 2024). All 3 trips have ended up in disappointment, as the Cowboys lost in the first round each time. And, sadly, were handedly defeated in 2 out of 3 games.

Could this be the year they finally break through and become a Cinderella story? We'll see when March Madness kicks off on March 18th.