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.

McNeese State’s Will Wade has reached an agreement with NC State to become the program’s next head coach, according to multiple reports. The news comes as Wade’s 12th-seeded Cowboys are set to face No. 5 Clemson in first round of March Madness on Thursday,

Asked specifically about NC State and if he or those close to him have been in contact with NC State, Will Wade said directly, "Yes."