LIU 'Fins Up', explained: How two Sharks basketball superfans built March Madness breakout tradition

LIU 'Fins Up', explained: How two Sharks basketball superfans built March Madness breakout tradition originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . While many bracket-busters rely on buzzer-beaters and high-seeded collapses, the 2026 NCAA Tournament has found its most infectious energy in a simple two-word chant: "Fins Up.

" What began as a local tradition for the Long Island University Sharks has exploded into a nationwide viral sensation, with fans across the country adopting the signature move — clapping hands once above the head to mimic a shark’s dorsal fin. Originally popularized by "The Reef" fan section in Brooklyn, the gesture has transcended its mid-major roots, appearing in everything from celebrity TikToks to the student sections of major Power Five programs that don’t even share the shark mascot. The "Fins Up" craze has become the definitive vibe of March, fueled by the Sharks’ dramatic turnaround under head coach and New York hoops legend Rod Strickland.

As the No. 16 seed prepares to face top-seeded Arizona, the chant has transformed into a universal symbol for the tournament. Whether the Sharks pull off the unthinkable or not, the trend has already secured its place in March Madness lore.

Here’s more on the origins of the "Fins Up" chant. SN's MARCH MADNESS HQ: Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Printable PDF What is LIu's 'Fins UP'? LIU’s "Fins Up" is a viral celebration and chant in which fans press their hands together above their heads to mimic a shark’s dorsal fin.