The Super Bowl is the biggest stage in American sports, a spectacle where football reigns supreme. But this year, in a twist as unexpected as a half-court buzzer-beater, college basketball crashed the party. The Big East didn’t just make an appearance—it took center stage.
UConn vs. Butler, a conference clash, found itself in prime Super Bowl real estate, proving once again that basketball’s reach extends far beyond its own court. And with Dan Hurley’s Huskies facing off against Butler—home to Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend,—there was no shortage of storylines.
According to a recent post on X, “Butler vs. UConn in one of the opening Super Bowl commercials. Even during the Super Bowl, the Big East rules the world.” That sentiment rang true as UConn basketball stars Paige Bueckers and Jaylin Stewart appeared in a YouTube TV Super Bowl commercial.
The ad humorously followed a sports fan through history, missing key moments of various games—until modern streaming saved the day. Just before kickoff, the Big East found itself in the biggest sporting spotlight of the year.
Butler at UConn on the Super Bowl commercial
Big East > everyone
Thank you @YouTubeTV
: @brett_reardon https://t.co/fnsVHgSd2F pic.twitter.com/k4OVIr42mq
— Butler Basketball Guru (@ButlerGuru) February 10, 2025
But with the Huskies stealing Super Bowl attention, it’s clear their biggest win wasn’t just on the court—it was in the cultural moment itself.
What’s next for UConn and Dan Hurley?
Despite all the buzz, Dan Hurley’s Huskies are in a tough spot. UConn currently sits at 16-7, ranking fourth in the Big East. They’re 19th in the latest AP Poll, far from the dominance they’ve displayed in recent years. While a third straight national championship is still on the table, the path forward is anything but easy. Next up, they face a crucial game against Creighton, a team with an 18-6 record and a 12-1 mark at home. According to ESPN’s matchup predictor, Creighton has a 60% chance to win, making this a high-stakes contest for Hurley’s squad.
Jan 21, 2025; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley watches from the sideline as they take on the Butler Bulldogs at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
UConn is also coming off a disappointing 68-62 loss to St. John’s and Rick Pitino, a game that exposed some of the Huskies’ weaknesses.UConn will need to bring its best against Creighton, a team known for its defensive intensity and ability to control the boards. While the Huskies have an offensive edge, shooting 49% from the field and 36.6% from three, Creighton’s defense has held opponents to just 40.3% shooting. The Bluejays also have one of the best rebounding margins in the Big East, which could pose a challenge for UConn’s frontcourt.
The Super Bowl commercial may have been a win for UConn in terms of national exposure, but now, the team has to deliver where it matters most—on the court. Hurley’s squad is still in contention for a deep postseason run, but their upcoming stretch of games will determine whether they’re truly capable of a historic three-peat.
With the national spotlight shining on them, thanks to both their success and their unexpected Super Bowl moment, the Huskies now have one job: prove that the hype isn’t just for show.
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