The No. 12 seed in the Midwest, the McNeese State Cowboys (27-6) begin their pursuit of a Cinderella-run in March against the No. 5 seed, the Clemson Tigers (27-6). The Cowboys won the Southland Conference. The Tigers lost to Louisville in the semifinals of the ACC Tournament.

ESPN is relatively confident in Clemson's chances against 12th-seeded McNeese State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

It’s Clemson Tigers vs McNeese State Cowboys in March Madness bracket. Here’s our prediction for the 2025 NCAA Tournament basketball game.

On Thursday, McNeese State coach Will Wade will join the list of coaches who have faced their alma mater in the men's NCAA tournament. His Cowboys will battle Clemson, where Wade spent four years as a student manager in the 2000s.

Wade, 42, said he’s always tried to be transparent with both his assistants and players during this time of year.