How Miami (Ohio) swim team and their Speedo antics helped fuel RedHawks March Madness run

The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks took the nation by storm this year, going undefeated in the regular season and entering the NCAA Tournament with just one loss.

While there are many reasons for the RedHawks' success, fan support is certainly at the top. And for a small school like Miami (Ohio), fans in this case also include fellow athletes from the swimming and diving team.

As the RedHawks continue to make a run in March, the swimming and diving team will also make its mark on the national stage. Here's how the Miami (Ohio) swimmers and divers are going viral at basketball games.

MARCH MADNESS HQ: Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Latest news and more

Why is Miami (Ohio) swim team at March Madness

Miami (Ohio) had an impressive home-court advantage this year, going undefeated in those games. A big reason why is their fans. The RedHawks then traveled to Dayton in the First Four, which included their famous swim team.

In the game against SMU, Miami (Ohio)'s swimming and diving team successfully distracted the Mustangs while sitting behind the basket in nothing but speedos.

Andy Enfield doesn't seem amused 😅 pic.twitter.com/uwaiph2aqk

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 19, 2026

When the swim team arrived for the second half of the First Four game in Dayton, the rest of the Miami (Ohio) fans got excited.

— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) March 19, 2026

In fact, it seemed as though the swimming and diving team's arrival sparked the basketball team to a game-winning run.

— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) March 20, 2026

As the RedHawks' magical season continues, their swim team will likely follow them as far as they can.

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Miami (Ohio) swim team Speedo stunt

Miami (Ohio)'s swimming and diving team strips down to their Speedos in an attempt to distract the opponents on the free throw line. The team has been doing this for most of the year and has become synonymous with the basketball team's magical season.

The stunt is specifically meant for the second half, when the opposing team is shooting crucial free throws down the stretch. While those following the RedHawks knew about this stunt, it reached the public eye in the First Four.

The @MiamiOHSwimDive team might be the ultimate free throw distraction 😭 #marchmadness pic.twitter.com/pH5dlUtBhG

— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) March 19, 2026

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When did RedHawks Speedo stunt start?

It appears that the Speedo stunt began on Jan. 13, when the swimming and diving team attempted to distract Central Michigan at the free throw line.

"I was distracted, so I'd think that they were as well," head coach Travis Steele said after the game.

— Kayler Smith - WDTN (@KaylerSmithTV) January 14, 2026

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Social media reactions

As expected, social media fell in love with the Miami (Ohio) swimming and diving team during March Madness,

— Woody (@woodyVSworld) March 19, 2026

Miami University swim team coming in with speedos was all time right there

— Sir Yacht (@SirYacht_) March 19, 2026

I can’t wait to see the Miami swim team on One Shining Moment

— Kayler Smith - WDTN (@KaylerSmithTV) March 19, 2026

MIAMI (OH) SWIM TEAM GETTING A FULL FEATURE ON ESPN DURING THE BASKETBALL GAME FOR SUPPORTING THE ONLY UNDEFEATED TEAM IN THE COUNTRY THIS YEAR.

— Braden Keith (@Braden_Keith) February 14, 2026

The Miami swim team might become a March icon pic.twitter.com/NevU7pouTr

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) March 19, 2026