Top 10 college basketball teams who have never been NCAA Tournament champions ft. IllinoisÂ
The NCAA Tournament or March Madness is celebrated all over the nation. The best 68 men's basketball teams from the United States come together to battle it out in the seven-round game (excluding play-in) elimination contest. The structure forces players and coaches to be on top of their game for the entire month, as a minor slip-up could end their entire season.
First played in 1939, the tournament favors teams that actively play the best ball rather than the best rosters and has had a total of 86 editions so far.
Here's a closer look at 10 college basketball teams that have never managed to win seven consecutive games in the NCAA tournament.
Teams who have never been NCAA Tournament champions
#1. Illinois Fighting Illini
The start of the 2000s was the best time for Illinois basketball. Led by Bill Self, the program saw three NCAA appearances before Bruce Weber added seven more. Their best squad was from the 2004-05 season which won 37 games and marks their only championship game to date.
Elite Eight: 10 / Final Four: 5 / Championship games: 1
#2. Purdue Boilermakers
The Purdue Boilermakers lost to the UConn Huskies in the 2024 championship game and hold a lot of promise for the future. However, it was their first championship game since 1969. Despite making timely appearances in March Madness, they have struggled to mount a deep run.
Elite Eight: 6 / Final Four: 3 / Championship games: 2
#3. Iowa Hawkeyes
The Iowa Hawkeyes have a loud basketball culture. However, they have only entered the NCAA four times since 2002 and have failed to get past the second round since 1999.
Elite Eight: 4 / Final Four: 3 / Championship games: 1
#4. Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma is probably the most successful team on this list. Their tightest NCAA run came from 1983-90 where they entered the Sweet 16 twice, Elite 8 once and made a finals appearance. Their most recent deep run was a Final Four appearance in 2016.
Elite Eight: 9 / Final Four: 5 / Championship games: 2
#5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame has the ninth most NCAA appearances but has managed only one stint in the last six years. Their prime came during 1974-81 when they mounted five Sweet 16, one Elite Eight and one Final Four run.
Elite Eight: 7 / Final Four: 1 / Championship games: 0
#6. Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee captured the tournament berth seven times during the '70s and early '80s but failed to replicate the same until 1999. The program has the third most wins in the SEC and has produced players like Bernard King, Tobias Harris and Grant Williams. They made it to March Madness five times in the last six years and entered the Elite Eight in 2024.
Elite Eight: 2 / Final Four: 0 / Championship games: 0
#7. Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama is experiencing an offensive surge under Nate Oats who led them to the SEC championship in his second year. They made their first-ever Final Four appearance in 2024 and are one of the best teams entering the 2024-25 season. They have a chance to overshadow their 1985-91 run where the Crimson Tide entered the Sweet 16 four times.
Elite Eight: 2 / Final Four: 1 / Championship games: 0
#8. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga has gotten past the first round each year since 2009 and has made 25 appearances since 1999. They are the most consistent teams to not have won the NCAA tournament. Gonzaga has made two elite eight appearances and two final appearances in the last six years.
Elite Eight: 5 / Final Four: 2 / Championship games: 2
#9. Memphis Tigers
Memphis struggles with consistency and is most known for its vacated run in 2008 with Derrick Rose and John Calipari. The team came off two back-to-back Elite Eight appearances to mount a program record of 38 wins. However, the NCAA considered Rose ineligible due to his SAT score being invalid.
Elite Eight: 1 / Final Four: 1 / Championship games: 0 (2008 vacated)
#10. Texas Longhorns
Texas has managed to stay in contention since 1989 but lacks deep NCAA experience. They have played at least one March Madness game 30 times in the last 35 years, but have been unpredictable when it comes to winning games. They were in the Elite Eight last year but were swept in the second round in 2024.
Elite Eight: 7 / Final Four: 3 / Championship games: 0