The hard truth of this sport is that 67 of the 68 teams in the NCAA tournament end every college basketball season with a loss. It's even harder when that final loss comes deep in the tournament, when hopes are higher and the championship trophy is closer.
So, let's take a closer look at the 12 programs that didn't make it through the regionals. All had incredibly successful seasons, obviously, but differing expectations and resources shape who will be considered an "overachiever" and who will be labeled an "underachiever."
It's an arbitrary distinction, to be sure, but a normal occupational hazard for yours truly. But, generally speaking, we're looking not just at NCAA tournament performance but at performance relative to expectations. Those expectations are determined by seeding, recruiting, resourcing and the overall vibe from fan bases that are often, well, fanatical.
If you like how your team does on this report card, you can thank me. If you don't, blame the coach. They're the ones making the big money.
Alabama Crimson Tide
2025 NCAA tournament performance: No. 2 seed; exited in Elite Eight
Program status: OVERACHIEVER