10 Men’s Programs Emerge as Top Picks for First NCAA Title by 2036
Updated
Updated · SB Nation · Aug 18
10 Men’s Programs Emerge as Top Picks for First NCAA Title by 2036
2 articles · Updated · SB Nation · Aug 18
Summary
A new ranking identifies 10 men’s college basketball programs without an NCAA title as the strongest candidates to win one within the next decade.
Three of the last four tournaments already saw title-less programs reach the final game—San Diego State in 2023, Purdue in 2024 and Houston in 2025—underscoring a wider opening at the top.
BYU, Texas Tech, Illinois and Texas are highlighted for NIL spending power and roster-building momentum, while Purdue, Tennessee and Gonzaga pair established coaches with sustained national relevance.
Houston’s case rests on Kelvin Sampson’s results despite budget concerns, St. John’s on Rick Pitino’s late-career window, and Dayton on a loyal fan base and enough support to make periodic title runs.
The broader thesis is that college basketball’s reshaped economics and transfer-driven talent market have made a first championship more attainable for well-funded or well-run challengers.