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Arrowhead Report

Chiefs Have Their Own Case of March Madness

Kansas City Chiefs have similarities to this NCAA basketball team.
Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

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March Madness brings comparisons across all types of sports. It’s a hot spot when it comes to talking points for all things athletics, and analysts love breaking down the tournament.

There are 64 teams that were still alive in play entering Thursday, and it will dwindle down each day this weekend. With many teams and Cinderella runs galore, it’s no surprise that some people refer to it as the greatest tournament across all sports.

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Mar 19, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; March madness graphics at center court before a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

For Kay Adams and Ian Eagle, they used the NCAA Tournament as a talking point on Wednesday’s episode of Up and Adams. She asked if Eagle had any tournament comparisons that he could see representing the Chiefs.

“I would say Kansas, a team that’s had success, that may be down a little bit, that some people have counted out,” Eagle said, “But you’ve got a championship coach, you still have pieces in place that could easily make a run.”

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Dec 21, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Eagle is broadcasting on CBS for the game between TCU and Ohio State to tip-off the tournament.

The comparison almost works too perfectly. Kansas has had their ups and downs this season, but they are one of the most prominent blue bloods in college basketball history. The Chiefs have been a top team in the NFL for the past couple years, but they had a dry spell this past year.

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Super Bowl 57: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes passes the the Lombardi Trophy to Travis Kelce after winning the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on Feb 12, 2023. | Michael Chow / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Both teams have won a title in their respective leagues in the last four years, and both have a generational talent at the helm. For Kansas, it’s Darryn Peterson that could bring them a title, while the Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes.

Like Eagle also mentioned, the teams have pieces surrounding their top player that can add some support. They also have Hall of Fame coaches that know how to lead a program to the promise land, and they have also showed they can develop talent.

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Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid watches play against the Indianapolis Colts during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

“They’ve been tossed aside a bit, and I’m not sure that people are jumping on the bandwagon right now,” Eagle added.

Kansas enters the tournament as a 4-seed, and they will have their hands full with a tough region. Both the Jayhawks and Chiefs have the talent to get back to the top of their respective leagues.

The comparison works wonders and makes the fans realize how similar teams in different sports may be. With the distance between the two teams being about 46 miles, there’s even more to compare.

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Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) greets teammates prior to a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

With March Madness in full swing, it’s interesting to see just how alike some of these tournament teams are to the NFL.

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Caden Letsche
CADEN LETSCHE

Caden Letsche is a senior at the University of Kansas, majoring in Journalism. He has covered all things Jayhawks over the past four years, traveling across the country following the team. Sports have always been a passion.