March Madness is a time when legends are born, and this year, McNeese State’s Amir Khan has emerged as an unexpected star. While the Cowboys celebrated their historic NCAA Tournament win—a thrilling 69-67 upset over No. 5 seed Clemson on March 20, 2025—the spotlight didn’t just shine on the players. It found its way to Amir Khan, the team’s student manager, whose infectious energy and larger-than-life presence turned a locker room celebration into an unforgettable spectacle. Here’s how Khan, dubbed “Aura” by fans, stole the show after McNeese State’s landmark triumph.
The Upset That Shook March Madness
McNeese State’s victory over Clemson marked the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament win, a milestone that sent shockwaves through college basketball. The No. 12 seed Cowboys held off a late surge from the Tigers, clinching a 69-67 win that sparked wild celebrations. For a team that had gone 0-3 in previous tournament appearances, this was a moment of redemption—and Amir Khan was at the heart of it. Known for leading the team out of the tunnel with a boombox blaring rap anthems, Khan brought that same electric vibe to the post-game locker room, amplifying the joy of the historic upset.
From Manager to Master of Ceremonies
What makes Khan’s story so captivating is his journey from behind-the-scenes student manager to the face of McNeese’s Cinderella run. As the team danced and shouted in the locker room, Khan took center stage, rapping along to Lud Foe’s “In & Out”—the same song that catapulted him to viral fame weeks earlier. His teammates fed off his energy, hyping him up as cameras rolled. This wasn’t just a celebration of the win; it was a tribute to Khan’s role as the team’s unofficial hype man, a glue guy whose spirit has become synonymous with McNeese’s success.
A Star Beyond the Court
Khan’s spotlight moment didn’t end with the final buzzer. The locker room bash showcased his unique charisma, which has already earned him NIL deals with brands like Buffalo Wild Wings and TickPick—the first student manager in college basketball history to do so. Fans on social media couldn’t get enough, with clips of the celebration racking up views and cementing his nickname, “Aura.” As McNeese prepares to face No. 4 Purdue in the next round, Khan’s epic locker room performance has made one thing clear: win or lose, he’s a star who’s here to stay.