Watch: Miami (OH) swim team distracts SMU with Speedos in viral March Madness moment
The Miami (Ohio) swim team stole the show during the March Madness First Four game against SMU, helping the team in their victory.
March Madness always delivers unforgettable moments, and not all of them come from the players on the court.
During NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament First Four action in Dayton, the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks crowd brought the chaos in a way only college basketball can. And leading the charge was the school’s swim team.
Speedos, chaos, and a missed free throw
In a moment that quickly went viral on social media, members of the Miami RedHawks swimming and diving team stormed down the bleachers wearing nothing but Speedos and swim caps just as the SMU Mustangs stepped to the free-throw line.
The timing couldn’t have been better...or worse, depending on your perspective. As the swimmers rushed into view behind the basket, the crowd erupted. The distraction worked perfectly. The free throw attempt clanged off the rim, sending fans into even louder celebration.
Miami OH swim team pulled up in speedos
— Woody (@woodyVSworld) March 19, 2026
SMU proceeds to miss a free throw
March rockspic.twitter.com/bMcD6eMNfA
While it may have looked outrageous to a national audience, the stunt wasn’t entirely new. According to players and reports from the game, Miami’s swim and dive team has a history of using similar antics at home games inside Millett Hall, where they act as a distraction crew behind opposing shooters.
This time, though, they brought the tradition to UD Arena, and to a national TV audience.
“What really surprised me was the swim team, when they came out,” Miami forward Antwone Woolfolk said after the game. “That was elite.”
A perfect backdrop to a statement win
The moment added to what was already a memorable night for Miami. The RedHawks defeated SMU 89-79 in the First Four, advancing to the main bracket after entering the tournament as one of the most debated at-large selections in the field.
The Madness has officially arrived for Miami!
— Yanni Tragellis (@yannitragellis) March 18, 2026
RedHawks take on SMU tonight in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament.
90 seconds with Miami forward Antwone Woolfolk, who has a big matchup tonight as he goes up against 7'2 Samet Yigitoglu.
Will Miami's historic season continue… pic.twitter.com/Z3xwPmB4PM
Playing just 40 miles from campus, Miami turned the game into a de facto home matchup, with thousands of fans, and their now-famous swim team, creating a raucous atmosphere.
Head coach Travis Steele made it clear afterward that his team never saw the result as an upset.
“This wasn’t an upset tonight, at all,” Steele said.
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