For many, March is defined by one thing: March Madness. It’s a month of buzzer-beaters, bracket-busters and high-stakes moments that keep fans glued to their screens. But amid the nonstop coverage of Division I (DI), something important gets overlooked. March Madness isn’t exclusive to DI. It’s happening at the Division II (DII) and Division III (DIII) levels too, just with far less attention. That deserves a closer look.
At Case Western Reserve University, which competes at the DIII level, the conversation is often reduced to one assumption—less talent. That narrative is not only oversimplified, it’s misleading. While DI may showcase a higher concentration of elite, pro-bound athletes, DIII is far from lacking in ability. In fact, many DIII athletes could compete at the DI level but choose not to. Their decisions are driven by priorities DI often can’t match: rigorous academics, the flexibility to study abroad, involvement in campus life beyond sports and a more balanced college experience.
Yes, DIII programs operate with fewer resources and less national exposure. But what they lack in funding, they make up for in competitiveness, commitment and passion. To dismiss DIII athletics as inferior is to ignore the level of dedication and talent that exists—and thrives—outside the DI spotlight.
All of this points to a simple truth: the DII and DIII versions of March Madness are every bit as thrilling as the widely publicized DI bracket. They just don’t get the same spotlight.
Take the DII men’s tournament. No. 5 Lander University delivered one of the biggest upsets of the postseason, knocking off reigning champions and No. 1 Nova Southeastern University, 91-81, to earn a spot in its first-ever NCAA Championship game. Moments like that—underdogs rising, dynasties falling—are exactly what make March Madness so compelling, regardless of division. Lander will now face Gannon University with a national title on the line.
On the women’s side, dominance told the story. No. 1 Grand Valley State University, the defending champions, powered their way to the 2026 national title with a commanding 23-point victory in the championship game. With titles in 2006, 2025 and now 2026, Grand Valley State is building a modern dynasty. Their recent run is hard to ignore, with just three losses over the past two seasons, alongside 73 wins. If anything, their sustained excellence proves that high-level, must-watch basketball exists well beyond the DI stage.
Shifting to DIII, CWRU competes in the University Athletic Association (UAA), a conference that consistently proves it can go toe-to-toe with the best in the country. This year alone, four of the eight men’s teams and three of the eight women’s teams earned NCAA tournament bids. That’s not a coincidence; it’s a reflection of just how competitive the UAA is. And the success didn’t stop at appearances—Emory University advanced to the national championship on the men’s side, while New York University made a deep run to the Final Four for the women. If there were ever doubts about the level of play in the UAA, this postseason should put them to rest.
Looking at the national stage, the DIII men’s championship features a compelling matchup: Emory University versus the University of Mary Washington. Emory enters the title game with a 27-3 record and the chance to cap off a historic season with its first national championship. Mary Washington, sitting at an equally impressive 29-3, is chasing that same milestone. No matter the outcome, one program will make history—another reminder that the stakes and storylines in DIII are just as powerful as anywhere else.
On the women’s side, Denison University claimed the national title with a 55-41 victory over the University of Scranton. Their 30-2 season was nothing short of dominant, but what makes their championship run even more impressive is the path they took to get there. Denison had to defeat two previously undefeated teams, Washington and Lee University and Scranton, to secure the title. That’s not luck or circumstance; that’s a team proving, without question, that it was the best in the country.
As a DIII women’s soccer athlete at CWRU, who has competed in two NCAA tournaments, I can say this firsthand: the competition is real, and the stakes are just as high. When I committed to CWRU, part of my decision was rooted in opportunity: the chance to actually compete in an NCAA tournament, something many of my friends at DI programs would never experience. And those moments—playing on that stage, surrounded by elite talent—have been nothing short of incredible.
But it would be incomplete, and frankly unfair, not to acknowledge the gap in how those experiences are supported. The differences between what DI and DIII athletes receive during NCAA tournaments are stark. At the DI level, tournament teams are rewarded with gear, memorabilia and high-end items that celebrate their achievement in a tangible way. Final Four teams receive an array of commemorative items—from branded equipment to rings and even pieces of the court itself.
At the DIII level, the reality is much simpler. In my experience, advancing to the second round meant receiving a congratulatory letter and an NCAA medal. That’s it.
And that contrast says a lot. DIII athletes aren’t playing for perks, recognition or material rewards—we’re playing because we love the game. We don’t have exclusive facilities or dedicated dining halls. We don’t get priority in housing or class registration. We share resources with the broader student body, often train without full-time support in the offseason and still commit to demanding schedules: early mornings, late nights and everything in between. Yet despite these limitations, DIII athletes continue to compete at an incredibly high level.
That’s exactly why more people should be paying attention. These aren’t “lesser” programs, they’re programs full of driven athletes, historic runs and meaningful competition. Records are being broken, championships are being won and players are leaving lasting legacies.
So the next time March rolls around and you’re filling out your DI bracket, take a moment to look beyond it. The DII and DIII tournaments are just as compelling, and just as worthy of your attention.