10 greatest men’s basketball programs with zero titles

College basketball is a realm of rich histories, intense rivalries, and storied programs that have captivated fans for decades. While some teams reach the pinnacle of success with national championships, others boast impressive achievements yet remain just shy of claiming a title. In this list, we explore programs that, despite their consistent excellence and historical milestones, still yearn for the ultimate prize: an NCAA championship.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame has appeared in the NCAA tournament 36 times, reaching the Final Four once in 1978. They’ve made the Elite Eight seven times and hold two retroactive national titles from the Helms Foundation for 1927 and 1936, but still no national title in the modern era.

Final Four appearances: 1 (1978)
Title game appearances: 0

Alabama Crimson Tide

The Alabama Crimson Tide has reached the Sweet Sixteen 10 times, most recently in 2024. They advanced to their first Final Four in 2024 but have yet to win a national title. Under Nate Oats, they have shown significant improvement, including SEC titles in 2021 and 2023. They still don’t have a Final Four appearance but I think that will change soon and ‘Bama won’t be deemed only as a football school.

Final Four appearances: 0
Title game appearances: 0

Auburn Tigers

Auburn Tigers have appeared in the NCAA tournament 13 times, reaching the Final Four in 2019. They have won six conference regular season championships and three SEC tournament titles. The Tigers are 27-4 this season under head coach Bruce Pearl and he could be the guy that finally delivers the school a men’s hoops title.

Final Four appearances: 1 (2019)
Title game appearances: 0

Butler Bulldogs

The Bulldogs, who’ve struggled the past several seasons, reached the national championship game in back-to-back seasons (2010, 2011) and nearly shocked the sports world by beating Duke in the 2010 title game, but Gordon Hayward’s half-court heave bounced off the backboard and rim at the buzzer. So close. It would have been the greatest shot made in college basketball history

Final Four appearances: 2 (2010, 2011)
Title game appearances: 2 (2010, 2011)

Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns have made 38 NCAA tournament appearances, reaching the Final Four three times (1943, 1947, 2003) and the Elite Eight eight times. As of the 2023–24 season, they have a 40–40 NCAA tournament record, ranking them among top programs without a national title.

Final Four appearances: 3 (1943, 1947, 2003)
Title game appearances: 0

Purdue Boilermakers

The Purdue Boilermakers have reached three NCAA Final Fours and two championship games but remain without a title. They were recognized as 1932 national champions by the Helms Athletic Foundation and Premo-Porretta Power Poll. Recently, they achieved a No. 1 AP ranking in both 2022 and 2023.

Final Four appearances: 3 (1969, 1980, 2024)
Title game appearances: 2 (1969, 2024)

Oklahoma Sooners

The Oklahoma Sooners have reached the Final Four five times (1939, 1947, 1988, 2002, 2016) and boast 10 Sweet 16 appearances. Despite their tournament success, they remain without a national championship, holding the record for most NCAA tournament wins without a title.

Final Four appearances: 5 (1938, 1947, 1988, 2002, 2016)
Title game appearances: 2 (1947, 1988)

Illinois Fighting Illini

The Illinois Fighting Illini have made 34 NCAA Tournament appearances and reached five Final Fours, most recently in 2005. They were retroactively named national champions in 1915 by the Helms Athletic Foundation. Despite their success, they remain without a modern NCAA title.

Final Four appearances: 5 (1949, 1951, 1952, 1989, 2005)
Title game appearances: 1 (2005)

Houston Cougars

The Houston Cougars have made 11 Sweet 16 appearances but have yet to win a championship. Their most recent success includes a Final Four run in 2021 under head coach Kelvin Sampson. Despite their storied history, including the iconic “Phi Slama Jama” era, they remain title-less.

Final Four appearances: Six (1967, 1968, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 2021)
Title game appearances: Two (1983, 1984)

Gonzaga Bulldogs

Gonzaga has consistently excelled in NCAA men’s basketball, reaching the Sweet Sixteen multiple times. Despite two national championship appearances, they remain without a title. Their recent success — 26 straight NCAA Tournament appearances, second all-time behind Michigan State — includes a 2023 Elite Eight appearance and a strong 2023-24 season, maintaining their status as a top program.

Final Four appearances: 2 (2017, 2021)
Title game appearances: 2 (2017, 2021)

Conclusion

While each of these programs has carved a unique legacy in college basketball, their quest for a national title remains an unfinished chapter. Whether it’s through securing more tournament victories, building on recent successes, or harnessing their historical strengths, these teams are poised to continue their pursuit of championship glory with determination and tenacity. Their journey serves as a testament to the enduring spirit and passion that define college basketball.