Miami (Ohio) RedHawks Return to March Madness After Historic Regular Season

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Miami University's men's basketball team, the RedHawks, are headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2007 after completing a historic 31-1 regular season. The RedHawks, who play their home games in Oxford, Ohio, will face SMU in the First Four round in Dayton, just 45 miles from their campus. Despite having one of the weakest schedules in Division I, the RedHawks dominated the regular season and earned an at-large bid to the Big Dance.

Why it matters

Miami University's basketball program has a rich history, producing numerous legendary football coaches over the years. However, the men's basketball team has struggled to find consistent success, with this season's 31-1 record marking the best regular season in program history. The RedHawks' return to the NCAA Tournament after a 15-year absence has energized the community and rekindled interest in the team.

The details

Led by head coach Travis Steele, the RedHawks went undefeated through the regular season, drawing large crowds to their home games at Millett Hall, which exceeded the arena's 9,200-seat capacity in the final four home games. The team's success came against a relatively weak schedule, ranking 93rd nationally in KenPom's efficiency metrics. The RedHawks now face a tougher test against SMU, which ranks 26th in offensive efficiency, in the First Four matchup.

• Miami University's men's basketball team last made the NCAA Tournament in 2007.
• The RedHawks completed their historic 31-1 regular season in 2026.
• The First Four matchup between Miami (Ohio) and SMU tips off at 9:15 p.m. ET on March 22, 2026 at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The winner of the First Four matchup between Miami (Ohio) and SMU will advance to face sixth-seeded Tennessee in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Philadelphia on Friday.