March Madness is one of the most exciting times of the year for college basketball fans. Every team enters the tournament hoping to make a run to the Final Four and possibly win a National Championship. Some teams have a history of success in the tournament, becoming known as the winningest programs in March Madness history.
Here are the top five winningest programs in March Madness history:
1. UCLA Bruins: The UCLA Bruins have won 11 National Championships, the most of any program in college basketball history. Their dominance in the 1960s and 1970s under head coach John Wooden cemented them as a March Madness powerhouse. The Bruins have appeared in 18 Final Fours and have a record of 104-39 in the tournament.
2. Kentucky Wildcats: The Kentucky Wildcats have won eight National Championships, second only to UCLA. They have a record of 130-52 in the tournament and have appeared in 17 Final Fours. Head coaches Adolph Rupp and John Calipari have been instrumental in the program’s success in March Madness.
3. North Carolina Tar Heels: The North Carolina Tar Heels have won six National Championships, including three in the 21st century. They have a record of 124-47 in the tournament and have appeared in 20 Final Fours. Legendary head coach Dean Smith and current head coach Roy Williams have been the driving forces behind the program’s success.
4. Duke Blue Devils: The Duke Blue Devils have won five National Championships, all under head coach Mike Krzyzewski. They have a record of 97-40 in the tournament and have appeared in 16 Final Fours. The Blue Devils have been a dominant force in March Madness over the past few decades and show no signs of slowing down.
5. Indiana Hoosiers: The Indiana Hoosiers have won five National Championships, but their last one came in 1987. They have a record of 66-35 in the tournament and have appeared in eight Final Fours. The Hoosiers’ success in March Madness came under the leadership of head coach Bob Knight in the 1970s and 1980s.
These five programs have cemented their legacy as the winningest teams in March Madness history. While other programs have had success in the tournament, these five stand out as the best of the best. With March Madness just around the corner, fans will be eagerly watching to see if any of these programs can add to their already impressive resumes.