The inaugural round of the 2025 men’s NCAA Tournament commenced on Thursday, beginning the process of narrowing down the 68-team roster. By April 7, only one team will remain as we celebrate another NCAA basketball champion.
Before we discover who will join the elite, let’s revisit the programs that have historically dominated the sport.
Schools with the Most NCAA Men’s Basketball Championships
The Dons achieved consecutive national championships in 1955 and 1956 but have only participated in the NCAA Tournament twice over the past 40 years.
Originally Oklahoma A&M, Oklahoma State clinched titles in 1945 and 1946 but has only entered the NCAA Tournament once in the last eight years.
It has been 42 years since the Wolfpack last celebrated a championship, under coach Jim Valvano, and they missed the Tournament this year. Following the regular season, NC State parted ways with head coach Kevin Keatts and is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with Will Wade.
Since their last title in 2000, the Spartans, led by Tom Izzo, who is now the Big Ten’s winningest coach, have entered the current season as a 2-seed with hopes for a deep Tournament run.
Louisville secured championships in 1980, 1986, and another in 2013, though the last was later vacated due to a scandal. The Cardinals missed the Tournament since 2019 but returned in Pat Kelsey’s first season as head coach, only to exit in the first round against Creighton.
The Gators won back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007 under coach Billy Donovan. In similar fashion, the Bearcats achieved consecutive championships in 1961 and 1962 but haven’t made the Tournament since 2019.
In recent years, the Wildcats captured two titles with coach Jay Wright. Their last victory was in 2018, and they have missed the NCAA Tournament for three consecutive years. Meanwhile, the Jayhawks have claimed multiple titles, including those won under current coach Bill Self, while the Hoosiers last won in 1987 and only made the Tournament twice in recent years.
Duke’s five championships all came under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. Currently, the Tar Heels have fluctuated in performance since Roy Williams’ retirement, making an 11-seed entry into this year’s Tournament.
Finally, the Bruins are now 30 years since their last championship, having dominated the 60s and 70s with 11 titles, and after missing the NCAA Tournament last year, they have secured a 7-seed for the current one.
