Evie Summers
In the context of NCAA, a sleeper is a term used to describe a team or player that has the potential to outperform expectations and achieve success despite being initially overlooked or considered unlikely to succeed. Sleeper teams or players are often those that are not considered favourites or top-tier contenders but have the capability to make a deep run in tournaments or achieve unexpected victories. In the NCAA, identifying sleepers is common among fans and analysts, who seek to find teams or players that could be potential underdogs or hidden gems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | An under-the-radar player who some fantasy owners expect to outperform his slot late in the draft |
| Appeal | Everyone wants to be the smartest guy in the room |
| Player type | Players in the latter rounds could almost all be considered sleepers |
| Examples | Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, Donovan Dent, Nelly Junior Joseph, Richie Saunders |
| Teams | Saint Mary's Gaels, New Mexico Lobos, Cougars |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeper teams in the NCAA tournament
In the NCAA Tournament, a sleeper team is one that succeeds when no one thought it would. Here are some sleeper teams that could make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament:
Georgia Bulldogs
The Bulldogs, under Coach Mike White, are a formidable defense and extremely battle-tested in the SEC. They are also a great offensive rebounding team (19th in the country), which is advantageous for teams that don't shoot well (200th in 3-point shooting). With the right draw, they could make a run at the Final Four.
St. John's Red Storm
The Johnnies have the third-best defense in the country and a Hall of Fame coach in Rick Pitino. However, they are offensively challenged, ranking 345th in 3-point shooting and 295th in free-throw shooting. If their offense shows up, they could beat anyone.
UC San Diego Tritons
The Tritons are making their first tournament appearance and have an impressive 7.6 turnover margin, committing just 8.7 turnovers per game. They also have a small lineup, which could cause problems for larger teams like Michigan.
Colorado State Rams
The Rams have an offense that averages 75.2 points per game, with Nique Clifford averaging 25.2 points in their last five games. They could pull off an upset against Memphis, making them a trendy pick among 5-12 upsets.
New Mexico
New Mexico guard Donovan Dent is a superstar and a high-volume scorer in transition, with his team ranked as the fifth-fastest in the country in time per possession (15.1).
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Sleeper players in fantasy football
In the context of NCAA and fantasy football, a "sleeper" is a term used to describe a player who has a strong chance to exceed expectations and become a surprise difference-maker for their team. Sleeper players are often underrated and undervalued, but they have the potential to make a significant impact on the game.
Tugboat Tuten of the Jacksonville Jaguars is an upside flier who could pay off handsomely in 2025. During his final collegiate season, he ranked tenth in yards after contact per attempt and breakaway percentage and eighth in elusive rating.
Coleman, a wide receiver, averaged a huge 19.2 yards per catch last year, with a 15.5-yard average target depth, ranking fifth-highest among 84 qualifying WRs. His performance in yards after the catch is also impressive, ranking fifth among 84 qualifying WRs.
McCarthy, a quarterback, will be piloting a Kevin O'Connell-led offense that has consistently delivered top-6 passing production. Vikings QBs have posted nice fantasy numbers under O'Connell, with Kirk Cousins finishing sixth in total fantasy points in 2022 and Sam Darnold ranking seventh among QBs in 2023. McCarthy has the potential to follow in their footsteps and deliver strong fantasy numbers.
Ferguson, a tight end for the Cowboys, is another player who tends to go undervalued in fantasy drafts. He isn't flashy, but he has a clear path to 100+ targets as a top option in a pass-leaning offense.
Javonte Williams, a Cowboys running back, is predicted to be a sleeper in 2025. He appears to be the most versatile of the running backs in Cowboys camp and is expected to be first in line for touches. He will be running behind one of the NFL's best interior offensive lines, making him a valuable pick.
These sleeper players have the potential to make a significant impact on the field, and drafting them could give fantasy managers a strategic advantage.
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Sleeper players in the latter rounds
In the context of NCAA basketball, a "sleeper" is a team or player that succeeds when they were not expected to. Sleeper players in the latter rounds of the NCAA tournament can emerge as unexpected stars, helping their teams advance further than projected. Here are some examples of sleeper players who could make a significant impact in the latter rounds of the tournament:
Nebraska's Brice Williams is a potential sleeper pick for the 2025 Men's NCAA Tournament. Williams has consistently delivered high-scoring performances, including a 24-point game against the Aggies. While Nebraska may not be as strong as in previous years, Williams's individual improvement suggests he could be a leader for his team in the tournament.
In the 2024 Men's NCAA Tournament, New Mexico's Donovan Dent emerged as a breakout star. As the team's primary ball-handler, Dent nearly tripled his scoring average, showcasing his ability to step up in crucial moments. If New Mexico can navigate through the early rounds, Dent's impact could be a key factor in their success.
For the 2020 Men's NCAA Tournament, Virginia Tech transfer Chris Clarke and freshman Jahmi'us Ramsey of the Red Raiders were identified as potential sleeper players. Clarke led the team in rebounds and assists, while Ramsey's scoring prowess was evident in wins over West Virginia, Baylor, and Kansas. If the Red Raiders secure a favorable seed, their offensive capabilities could carry them to victory in the latter rounds.
While sleeper players may not always come from top-seeded teams, their individual performances can elevate their teams to unexpected heights in the NCAA tournament. These players possess the talent and potential to surprise opponents and captivate audiences as they defy expectations and pursue basketball glory.
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Sleeper players who are household names
In sports, the term "sleeper" is used to refer to an athlete who becomes an unexpected success, much like how the term was originally used in the world of gambling to describe a card player who unexpectedly drew a winning card. Sleeper athletes are those who don't look like they work out a lot or possess a strong physique, but in reality, they are physically strong and powerful.
Tom Brady
Tom Brady, arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history, was a sleeper prospect coming out of college. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, a relatively late selection. Brady didn't possess the prototypical size and arm strength of a traditional quarterback, but he went on to have an unprecedented level of success, winning seven Super Bowls and three MVP awards during his career.
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry, the iconic point guard for the Golden State Warriors, was also considered a sleeper coming out of college. Standing at just 6'2" and weighing 180 pounds, Curry was undersized for the NBA. However, he revolutionized the game with his exceptional three-point shooting and ball-handling skills, becoming a four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP.
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard, currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, was another NBA sleeper. He was selected 15th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, not considered a surefire superstar. Leonard's quiet demeanor and fundamental-focused game didn't initially attract much attention, but he developed into one of the league's best two-way players, winning two NBA championships and two MVP awards.
These athletes defied expectations and became household names in their respective sports, exemplifying the sleeper phenomenon. They serve as reminders that success can come in unexpected packages, and that potential can sometimes be hidden beneath an unassuming exterior.
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Sleeper players who are under the radar
In college sports, a "sleeper" is a term used to describe an under-the-radar player or team that has the potential to outperform its more established counterparts. Here are some sleeper players to watch out for in the upcoming NCAA football season:
Georgia Safety Joenel Aguero
Joenel Aguero is a safety for Georgia who is expected to have a breakout season in 2024. He was limited by a hamstring injury last season but still managed to make an impact, particularly on special teams. With the departure of Tykee Smith and Javon Bullard, Aguero is expected to fill a starting safety spot and make a significant contribution to the team's defense.
Ohio State Linebacker Sonny Styles
Sonny Styles is a versatile athlete who transitioned from safety to linebacker during the offseason. Styles possesses impressive physical attributes, including a 39-inch vertical and a 10-foot, 9-inch broad jump. With his athleticism and dynamic skillset, Styles is poised to become a breakout player for the Ohio State defense.
Alabama Linebacker Qua Russaw
Qua Russaw is a key prospect for Alabama's linebacker group and has the potential to become a major defensive playmaker. With new coordinator Kane Wommack, Russaw could be a hidden gem in Alabama's defense, ready to surprise opponents.
Oregon Edge Rusher Teitum Tuioti
Teitum Tuioti, the son of Oregon's defensive line coach Tony Tuioti, had a strong freshman season with 19 tackles and two sacks, and an impressive showing in the Ducks' spring game. Tuioti is expected to be one of the anchors of Oregon's defensive attack in his second year, showcasing his talent and potential.
Florida State Linebacker Blake Nichelson
Blake Nichelson is a four-star recruit who signed with Florida State as a highly touted freshman last year. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Nichelson made a significant impact during his freshman season, appearing in all 14 games and excelling on special teams. With his impressive physical attributes and rapid development, Nichelson has the potential to become a standout player for Florida State's defense.
These under-the-radar players are poised to make a surprising impact in the upcoming NCAA football season, showcasing their talent and contributing to their respective team's success.
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Frequently asked questions
A sleeper in NCAA is a team or player that has the potential to outperform expectations and achieve success, despite initially being considered unlikely to do so. Sleeper teams are often those outside the nation's elite, who make unexpected deep runs in tournaments, such as the NCAA March Madness Men's Bracket Challenge. Sleeper players are those who are lesser-known, typically chosen in the latter rounds of a draft, who may become game-changers.
The term sleeper is used because these teams or players are, in a sense, "sleeping giants", who have the potential to "awake" and achieve great things.
Sleeper teams and players are often identified by their potential to cause upsets and outperform their higher-ranked opponents. They may have certain strengths that are not immediately apparent, such as a strong defense or a star player, which could lead to their success in a tournament or competition.
