By Ty Bronicel 
In the college basketball world, certain teams have built a reputation that draws both admiration and animosity. As the 2024-25 season unfolds, some teams have established themselves through their performance and the reactions they evoke among fans and rivals alike. This listicle explores ten college basketball teams that have become loved and loathed in equal measure, delving into the reasons behind their polarizing reputations. The stat gurus at BetOnline.ag tracked over 70,000 tweets on X (Twitter) in the last month, tracking negative sentiment tweets about men’s college basketball teams. For example, “I hate Duke,” “Duke sucks,” “(Expletive) Duke,” etc. Over 70,000 tweets were tracked. It’s also no surprise to see teams like Kentucky and Kansas in the top 10, as the blue blood programs always have their fair share of “haters.” Here are the top 10 most “hated” men’s basketball programs in 2025 based on negative sentiment tweets.
10. UConn Huskies
UConn’s storied history of success, including six national championships, can make them a team fans love to root against, especially in the Big East. Their recent back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024 have only intensified this sentiment, solidifying their status as a formidable and often polarizing program. With head coach Dan Hurley’s recent outbursts, I thought the Huskies would be much closer to No. 1.
9. Alabama Crimson Tide
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Alabama’s dual success in football and basketball, coupled with a dedicated fan base, often sparks jealousy and animosity from other schools’ fans. Recently, the Crimson Tide achieved their first Final Four appearance in 2024, further elevating their basketball profile and potentially intensifying rivalries.
8. Georgia Bulldogs
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Georgia’s occasional upsets, like their recent win over No. 3 Florida, and passionate fan base can make them a target for resentment, especially when they disrupt the expectations of more favored teams. Their unpredictable performances keep opponents on edge, fueling animosity from fans of top-tier teams.
7. Texas Longhorns
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The Texas Longhorns frequently face criticism due to their consistent presence in top-tier games and strong recruiting classes, which can evoke envy from fans of other programs. Their recent performance, including a close loss to Oklahoma, highlights their competitive edge in the SEC.
6. Kansas Jayhawks
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The Kansas Jayhawks are often disliked due to their consistent dominance and high expectations. In the 2024-25 season, they finished with a 20-11 record, below their usual standards, but still garnered significant attention for their potential NCAA Tournament run.
5. Michigan Wolverines
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The Michigan Wolverines are often criticized for their inconsistent performance despite strong starts. In the 2024-25 season, they have shown resilience with key wins against top opponents like Wisconsin and UCLA, but losses to teams like Arkansas and Michigan State have fueled fan frustration.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes
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The Ohio State Buckeyes are often disliked due to their consistent competitiveness and strong fan base. In the 2024-25 season, they have faced tough opponents like Texas, Auburn, and Kentucky, maintaining a strong presence in the Big Ten. Their rivalry games often draw intense attention and criticism.
3. Kentucky Wildcats
The Kentucky Wildcats are often polarizing due to their consistent success and high expectations. In the 2024-25 season, they have maintained a strong regular-season record, finishing with a 21-10 mark. The ‘Cats’ competitive nature and storied program contribute to the mixed feelings fans have about them.
2. Florida Gators
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The Florida Gators are often disliked due to their consistent competitiveness and strong performances. In 2025, they finished the regular season with a 27-4 record, securing the No. 2 seed in the SEC Tournament. Their dominant backcourt and Alex Condon’s defensive prowess make them a formidable opponent.
1. Duke Blue Devils
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No surprise here. The Duke Blue Devils are often polarizing due to their consistent success and strong fan base. In the 2024-25 season, they have dominated with a 27-3 record, leading the ACC. Their high-profile games and victories often draw intense scrutiny and rivalries, contributing to their divisive reputation.
Conclusion
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The landscape of college basketball is rich with history, rivalries, and intense competition. The teams on this list continue to be central figures within this dynamic, sparking debates and fervor among the sport’s passionate following, especially during March Madness. Whether it’s due to historical success, competitive rivalry, or the distinctive style of play, these teams have left indelible marks on their fans and rivals. As the season progresses, their performances will continue to shape discussions and fuel the vibrant narrative of college basketball. This year’s tourney will be incredibly intense and competitive, as always, but these 10 programs are damn good, so, even if you hate them, don’t blow your bracket by picking against them — as much as I know how badly you want to.
Brian Thomas 
Anthony Benson