Miami RedHawks' Swim Team Steals Spotlight at NCAA Tournament

Speedo-clad swimmers distract SMU free-throw shooter in First Four matchup

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:51am

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The Miami RedHawks' swim team made headlines during their team's NCAA Tournament First Four game against SMU, with the Speedo-wearing swimmers successfully distracting an SMU free-throw shooter early in the second half. The stunt drew attention on social media, with the Mid-American Conference's official account tweeting "Speedos are OUT in Dayton!" Former WWE star John Cena also sent a message of support to Miami guard Eian Elmer ahead of the game.

Why it matters

The RedHawks' swim team antics highlighted the lighter side of college basketball, providing a memorable moment in the high-stakes NCAA Tournament. However, the stunt also sparked debate around whether Miami deserved its at-large bid, with some high-profile analysts and former players questioning the team's inclusion in the tournament.

The details

During the First Four matchup between Miami and SMU, the RedHawks' swim team, known for their coordinated Speedo-wearing routines, positioned themselves behind the SMU free-throw shooter, successfully distracting the player and drawing attention on social media. The stunt was in line with the team's reputation for energetic and unconventional game-day antics.

  • The swim team's Speedo display occurred early in the second half of the March 18th First Four game between Miami and SMU.
  • Ahead of the matchup, actor and former WWE star John Cena sent a special message of support to Miami guard Eian Elmer.

The players

Miami RedHawks swim team

The Miami University swim team, known for their coordinated Speedo-wearing routines that aim to energize the crowd and distract opposing players.

Eian Elmer

A guard for the Miami RedHawks basketball team, who received a special message of support from actor and former WWE star John Cena ahead of the First Four matchup.

Andy Enfield

The head coach of the SMU Mustangs basketball team, who defended Miami's inclusion in the NCAA Tournament, stating that the RedHawks deserved their at-large bid.

Tyler Hansbrough

A former standout player for the North Carolina Tar Heels, who suggested that the Miami RedHawks did not deserve an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Wally Szczerbiak

A former Miami RedHawks player who led the team to the Sweet 16 in 1999, and who expressed surprise at the team's inclusion in the First Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“Speedos are OUT in Dayton!”

— Mid-American Conference, Official Twitter account

“Miami deserved its first at-large bid since Wally Szczerbiak's 1999 Sweet 16 team, and critics of the RedHawks should shut up.”

— Andy Enfield, SMU Head Coach

“It's not their fault everybody in their conference sucks.”

— Charles Barkley, College Basketball Analyst

What’s next

The winner of the Miami-SMU First Four matchup will advance to face the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

The Miami RedHawks' swim team's antics during the NCAA Tournament First Four game highlighted the lighter side of college basketball, but also sparked debate around the team's inclusion in the tournament, with some high-profile figures questioning whether the RedHawks deserved their at-large bid.