In a tournament famed for its buzzer-beaters and Cinderella stories, few off-court figures capture the spotlight quite like Amir “Aura” Khan. As the student manager for the McNeese State Cowboys, Khan has transformed his routine role into a national phenomenon. With a boombox in hand and boundless energy, he has redefined what it means to be a team influencer during March Madness 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Amir “Aura” Khan, a senior sports management major at McNeese State, has become a viral sensation during the 2025 NCAA Tournament for his high-energy pregame routines.
- His signature boombox entrances—complete with rapping Lud Foe’s “In & Out”—have captured national attention.
- Khan’s meteoric rise has led to lucrative NIL deals with brands like Buffalo Wild Wings, TickPick, and Insomnia Cookies, reportedly earning him six figures.
- His likeness now appears on popular merchandise such as the Amir Khan shirt and Amir Khan socks, symbolizing his cultural impact.
- Inspired by former coach Will Wade, whom he admired during Wade’s LSU tenure, Khan joined McNeese and is now expected to follow Wade to NC State as a graduate manager.
From Hype Man to Household Name: Who is Amir Khan?
Every March Madness tournament brings its share of underdog heroes, but rarely does one come from behind the scenes. Amir Khan is one such unsung hero whose story defies expectations. Initially joining McNeese State as a student manager driven by his admiration for coach Will Wade, Khan quickly became the face of the program.
On February 22, a simple pregame ritual—leading the team onto the court while rapping Lud Foe’s “In & Out” and carrying a boombox—captured the attention of fans and media alike. In the blink of an eye, a role that most would consider ordinary catapulted him into viral fame. As one observer noted, “Wait, what? A student manager is a bigger story than the head coach and the 12 players on a roster?” That’s the beauty of March Madness: the tournament shines a spotlight on the most unexpected figures, turning them into social media sensations overnight.
A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and a longtime admirer of basketball culture, Khan has become the emotional engine behind McNeese’s game-day rituals, infusing each entrance with contagious enthusiasm.
“It was an amazing moment, because it was so genuine. It was just me feeding off their energy,” Khan explained, highlighting the spontaneous spirit that has defined his journey. (Source: USA TODAY NETWORK)
The Viral “Amir Khan” Shirt
Amir Khan’s rise from student manager to internet star didn’t just stay online—it took over the stands, too. As McNeese State made its tournament run, fans and cheerleaders started rocking custom T-shirts with Khan’s face front and center. The now-iconic Amir Khan shirt quickly became the go-to look for those riding the wave of March Madness magic. Social media lit up with posts of fans showing off their gear, turning the shirt into more than just merch—it became part of the moment.
The Socks Everyone’s Talking About
The hype didn’t stop at shirts. During McNeese’s shocking upset over Clemson, cameras caught something unexpected: cheerleaders—and even some players—were wearing socks with Khan’s face on them. Yep, Amir Khan socks. What started as a fun detail exploded online, with fans sharing pics, reactions, and memes that sent the socks viral. Suddenly, they were everywhere—proving that Khan’s energy wasn’t just fueling the team, it was taking over timelines.
NIL Deals and Merch Madness
Khan’s viral success has translated into unprecedented financial opportunities. As the first known student manager to secure NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, he has partnered with major brands—including Buffalo Wild Wings, TickPick, and Insomnia Cookies—with deals reportedly reaching six-figure sums.
“I enjoy the free cookies,” Khan joked during an interview, highlighting his down-to-earth personality despite the rapid ascent to fame.
(Source: Yahoo Sports)
The influx of endorsement offers has not only boosted Khan’s personal brand but also set a new precedent for non-athlete contributors in college sports. In one notable move, Khan’s image was immortalized on a Topps trading card celebrating McNeese’s historic victory over Clemson—a milestone that few in his role have ever experienced.
From the Sidelines to Center Stage: Amir’s Journey to McNeese
Khan’s path to virality is rooted in genuine passion. He applied for the student manager position at McNeese State because of his deep admiration for former head coach Will Wade—a figure whose dynamic energy during his tenure at LSU left a lasting impression on Khan.
“Wade brought an energy to that team that LSU basketball had never felt, said Khan. So whenever I saw that I had a chance to work for him, I had to step in and do it.”
(Source: Yahoo Sports)
In the two seasons since he volunteered, the impact of his contributions has been unmistakable: the program’s win total surged from 22 combined victories before his arrival to 59 thereafter. His dedication and unique style have made him an indispensable part of McNeese’s identity.
What’s Next: Following the “Aura” to NC State?
With head coach Will Wade set to lead NC State under a newly inked six-year deal, speculation is growing that Amir Khan will be making the move with him. Known for his genuine admiration for Wade—a sentiment that first drove him to apply for the student manager position at McNeese State—Khan is now expected to transition into a graduate manager role alongside his mentor in Raleigh.
Khan, who is on pace to graduate this fall with a degree in sports management, has already expressed his desire to continue impacting college basketball from behind the scenes. While he mentioned that he plans to “keep options open,” his long-standing commitment to the game and his connection with Wade suggest that joining NC State could be the natural next step in his journey.
This potential move underscores a broader shift in college sports, where the contributions of support staff like Khan are gaining recognition. His unique energy, affectionately dubbed “Aura,” has not only redefined what it means to be a student manager but also set a new standard for influence within the basketball community. As Wade embarks on his new challenge at NC State, Khan’s anticipated arrival promises to bring the same passion and authenticity that made him a viral sensation during March Madness.
FAQs: Amir Khan & His Viral March Madness Moment
Who is Amir “Aura” Khan, and why is he trending during March Madness 2025?
Amir Khan is a senior sports management major and student manager for the McNeese State Cowboys. He went viral during the 2025 NCAA Tournament for his energetic boombox-led entrances and authentic courtside presence, quickly becoming a fan favorite and social media star.
What’s the story behind the Amir Khan shirt and socks?
As Khan’s hype spread, fans and cheerleaders started wearing custom T-shirts and socks featuring his face. The merch took off online, with countless posts, memes, and fan photos turning it into a full-on internet trend during McNeese’s tournament run.
How did Amir Khan land NIL deals as a student manager?
Khan made history as one of the first student managers to sign major NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. His viral fame led to partnerships with brands like Buffalo Wild Wings, TickPick, and Insomnia Cookies—reportedly earning him six figures.
Will Amir Khan be joining NC State with Coach Will Wade?
Yes, it’s widely expected that Khan will follow Coach Wade to NC State as a graduate manager. Their strong connection—dating back to Khan’s admiration for Wade’s LSU days—makes the move a natural next step in his journey.
How has Amir Khan changed the perception of student managers in college basketball?
Through his enthusiasm, creativity, and social media presence, Khan has redefined the student manager role. His impact has shown that off-court contributors can play a huge part in team culture, fan engagement, and even national attention.
