| Clue | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Underdogs of the Big Dance | USA Today | 25 Apr 2025 |
| What lower-seeded 51-Across participants hope to become | New York Times | 14 Mar 2023 |
| They're often upsetting | New York Times | 13 May 2017 |
| They're often upsetting | ||
| Sentimental favorites in tournaments, often | ||
| Surprise champions, like the 1969 Mets |