Iowa’s Drake University upset Missouri in the first round of the 2025 NCAA tournament, marking the first time since 1971 that the Bulldogs have advanced past the first round.

With the school on the national rise, more and more folks are wondering: Where is Drake University, and why didn’t we know about the Bulldogs before?

Well, here’s what to know about the school, its basketball team and a few traditions.

Where is Drake University located?

Drake University is a private university located in Des Moines, Iowa. The university is one of several in the state’s capital city.

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What conference does Drake play in?

Drake’s basketball team plays in the NCAA Division 1 Missouri Valley Conference.

What is Drake’s record?

Drake played 31-3 in its 2024-2025 season.

The school won this year’s MVC tournament for the third consecutive season.

When was the last time Drake was in the NCAA Tournament? 

2025 marks the eighth time the Drake Bulldogs have competed in the NCAA tournament.

The team lost to Washington State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in 2024. Recently, it made the tournament in 2023 and 2021.

Drake last advanced past the first round in 1971 before losing to Kansas. It made the Final Four in 1969, but lost to a UCLA team featuring Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

What else is Drake known for?

Since 1979, Drake has bestowed the title “Most Beautiful Bulldog” to nearly 50 dogs. The contest is among the festivities celebrating Drake Relays week. This year, nearly 100 dogs from 17 different states entered.

Another Drake Relays tradition includes students painting sidewalks and having a paint war.

Drake University also takes center stage during the Iowa Caucuses and its Sheslow Auditorium has hosted several presidential debates.

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.