UCLA dominates the NCAA basketball champions list with 11 total championships, winning ten of them between 1964 and 1975.
Kentucky ranks second on the all-time NCAA basketball champions list with eight titles, while North Carolina and Connecticut each claim six championships.
Florida captured the most recent men’s championship in 2025, defeating Houston 65-63. UConn won the women’s title, beating South Carolina 82-59 for their 12th total championship across both divisions.
All-Time NCAA Champions by Wins
| Rank | School | Total Titles | First Title | Last Title | Notable Era |
| 1 | UCLA | 11 | 1964 | 1995 | 1964-1975 (10 in 12 years) |
| 2 | Kentucky | 8 | 1948 | 2012 | 1948-1949, 1978, 1996, 1998, 2012 |
| 3 | North Carolina | 6 | 1957 | 2009 | 1982, 1993, 2005, 2009 |
| 4 | Connecticut | 6 | 1999 | 2025 | 2011, 2014, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| 5 | Duke | 5 | 1991 | 2015 | 1991, 1992, 2001, 2010, 2015 |
| 6 | Indiana | 5 | 1940 | 1987 | 1976, 1981, 1987 |
| 7 | Florida | 3 | 2006 | 2025 | 2006, 2007, 2025 |
| 8 | Villanova | 3 | 1985 | 2016 | 1985, 2009, 2016 |
| 9 | Syracuse | 1 | 2003 | 2003 | Orange powerhouse in 2000s |
| 10 | Texas | 1 | 2005 | 2005 | One national title |
Only 36 different programs have won NCAA championships in men’s basketball since the tournament began in 1939.
Three teams have claimed titles in multiple cities, including the Lakers, Warriors, and 76ers franchises.
Recent Men’s NCAA Champions (2015-2025)
| Year | Champion | Runner-Up | Result | Coach |
| 2025 | Florida | Houston | 65-63 | Todd Golden |
| 2024 | UConn | Purdue | 75-60 | Dan Hurley |
| 2023 | UConn | San Diego State | 76-59 | Dan Hurley |
| 2022 | Kansas | North Carolina | 72-69 | Bill Self |
| 2021 | Baylor | Gonzaga | 86-70 | Scott Drew |
| 2020 | (Cancelled) | (COVID-19) | N/A | N/A |
| 2019 | Virginia | Texas Tech | 85-77 | Tony Bennett |
| 2018 | Villanova | Michigan | 79-62 | Jay Wright |
| 2017 | North Carolina | Gonzaga | 71-65 | Roy Williams |
| 2016 | Villanova | North Carolina | 77-74 (OT) | Jay Wright |
| 2015 | Duke | Wisconsin | 68-63 | Mike Krzyzewski |
UConn has dominated recent basketball with three titles in three years (2023-2025). Florida’s 2025 victory marked their first championship since 2007.
The Greatest NCAA Basketball Champions and Dynasties
UCLA’s Dominance (1964-1975)
John Wooden coached UCLA to the most impressive reign on the NCAA basketball champions list, winning 10 titles in 12 years during the 1960s and 1970s.
The Bruins won seven consecutive titles from 1967 to 1973, an NCAA record never matched. UCLA compiled a stunning 335-22 record during this period for a .938 winning percentage.
Lew Alcindor and Bill Walton anchored these powerhouse teams. The Bruins rarely lost close games and dominated opponents by double digits consistently. Wooden’s system emphasized team play, fundamentals, and conditioning above all else.
Kentucky’s Early Dominance (1948-1951)
Adolph Rupp built Kentucky into a championship program after taking over in 1930. The Wildcats won their first title in 1948 and repeated in 1949. Kentucky captured four championships in the early NCAA tournament era.
Coach Rupp coached until 1972 and remains one of the greatest coaches ever. His teams won through toughness and defensive excellence. The Kentucky program built a tradition of excellence that continues today.
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Duke’s Modern Success (1991-2015)
Mike Krzyzewski arrived at Duke in 1981 and transformed them into a powerhouse. Duke won back-to-back titles in 1991 and 1992, establishing themselves nationally. Coach K added three more titles (2001, 2010, 2015) for five total.
Duke made nine Final Four appearances under Krzyzewski with five championships. Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, Jason Williams, and Jahlil Okafor starred for Duke. The program’s consistency ranks among college basketball’s finest achievements.
UConn’s Modern Dominance (2011-2025)
Connecticut won five championships from 2011 to 2025 across men’s and women’s programs. The men’s team won titles in 2011, 2014, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Dan Hurley has coached three straight men’s titles since 2023.
UConn maintains a perfect record in championship games with six appearances and six wins. The Huskies won the 2023 title as a 4-seed, the lowest seed ever to win. Kemba Walker, Shabazz Napier, and Walter Clayton Jr. led these championship teams.
The Undefeated Championship Seasons
Only four teams have won the NCAA championship while remaining undefeated. San Francisco completed a 29-0 season in 1956 with Bill Russell leading the way. North Carolina went 32-0 in 1957 under Coach Frank McGuire.
Indiana finished 32-0 in 1976, one of the greatest teams ever assembled. These perfect seasons represent the rarest achievement in college basketball history. Modern parity and expanded tournament fields make undefeated seasons nearly impossible.
Legendary Coaches and Their Titles
John Wooden holds the all-time record with 10 championships, all at UCLA. Mike Krzyzewski ranks second with 5 titles at Duke. Adolph Rupp won 4 championships during Kentucky’s early era dominance.
Dean Smith won 2 titles at North Carolina in an incredible Hall of Fame career. Roy Williams added 2 more for North Carolina’s total of 6. These coaches shaped college basketball’s history through sustained excellence.
March Madness Records and Memorable Moments from the NCAA Basketball Champions List
Villanova’s 1985 championship remains legendary for their 8-seed status winning the tournament.
Kris Jenkins hit the famous 2016 buzzer-beater against North Carolina for Villanova’s title. Gonzaga’s 2021 run featured a 36-win regular season before losing to Baylor in the Final.
The 2023 tournament provided the wildest Final Four ever with no #1 seeds advancing. UConn’s 2024 championship featured a dominant 23-point per game victory margin.
Connecticut’s 2025 season extended their unprecedented winning streak to three consecutive titles on the NCAA basketball champions list.
FAQs
Which School Has Won the Most NCAA Basketball Titles?
UCLA leads with 11 championships, winning ten between 1964-1975 under John Wooden. Their seven consecutive titles (1967-1973) remains unmatched. The Bruins revolutionized college basketball with their system.
Has Any Team Won Back-to-Back Championships Recently?
Duke won consecutive titles in 1991 and 1992 under Mike Krzyzewski. Florida repeated in 2006 and 2007 as the sport’s first back-to-back champs since Duke. UConn has won three consecutive titles (2023-2025) under Dan Hurley.
What Is the Lowest Seed to Ever Win the NCAA Tournament?
Villanova’s 1985 championship team entered as an 8-seed and shocked everyone. They defeated Georgetown on a three-pointer in the final. No lower seed has won since then despite many upsets.
How Many Teams Have Never Won an NCAA Basketball Championship?
More than 350 Division I programs have competed, but only 36 have won. Teams like Gonzaga, Houston, Arizona, and Marquette have reached finals but never won. Syracuse, who won in 2003, has never returned to the championship game.
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