Last 5 NCAA Basketball Champions: Dan Hurley's UConn dominates the list
The UConn Huskies' modern-day men's basketball domination comes through their back-to-back NCAA championships in 2023 and 2024. With that, four different programs from the West Coast, ACC, Big 12 and Big East conferences mark an appearance as the last five college basketball champions.
Now, as the 2024-25 season nears its beginning, presenting significant changes and promising another action-packed March Madness, here's a closer look at these distinct teams and their years of marking national history.
Last 5 NCAA basketball champions
#1. 2019 NCAA Championship – Virginia Cavaliers
Tony Bennett’s squad mounted a promising 31–3 record in 2018 but fell in the first round to mark one of the most shocking losses in their history. However, the Cavaliers bounced back the next season behind an even better 35–3 run.
In a final four where Texas Tech and Auburn were making history by entering their first final four games, Virginia managed to clinch the March Madness title for the first time in program history.
#2. The 2020 NCAA championship was canceled due to COVID-19
#3. 2021 NCAA Championship – Baylor Bears
The Bears have earned a total of 16 March Madness bids with an overall record of 22-15. However, no run comes close to their deepest run since 1950, when it mounted one of the best defensive seasons by a program in 2021.
Led by Scott Drew, Baylor defeated Wisconsin, Hartford, Villanova, Arkansas, Houston Cougars and Gonzaga to mark their first title ever. Giving only a little over 60 points per game, their win came with an average margin of 18 points, with the closest game being a 9-point win over Arkansas in Elite Eight.
#4. 2022 NCAA Championship – Kansas Jayhawks
While it seemed like the Jayhawks broke the notion of first-time March Madness title winners with their fourth title, it was their first in the last 14 years, since 2008.
It was a season filled with plenty of storylines. Saint Peter’s was the first ever No. 15 seed making an Elite Eight appearance and the final four disappointed Duke Blue Devils fans as their legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski’s career came to an end through the rival team North Carolina.
Moreover, just when it seemed like North Carolina Tar Heels’ momentum would help them lift their seventh title, the Jayhawks overcame a 15-point deficit in the second half to win the championship.
#5. 2023 and 2024 NCAA Championships – UConn Huskies
UConn entered the Final Four as the lowest seed in 2023 March Madness where top seeds were struggling to hold onto their reputation. The reigning champions were eliminated in the second round by Arkansas.
However, Dan Hurley and Co. dominated the national tournament by averaging a winning each game with a minimum difference of at least 13 points.
Even though UConn saw the majority of its offensive load bearers exiting the crew, Hurley’s ability to ignite culture came on top in 2024. Previous season’s role players saw greater responsibility as one-and-done Stephon Castle provided a significant boost.
As a result, they became the most dominant national team, leaving behind an average margin victory of 23.3 points. Their closest game was a 14-point win in the semi-final against Alabama.
Dan Hurley's team will look to create more history next season by winning a third consecutive national title.