Here is the complete list of NCAA men’s basketball champions by year, along with the schools that have won the most national titles. The Michigan Wolverines are the reigning champions after beating UConn in the 2026 final, while UCLA still holds the all-time record with 11 titles. Below is the year-by-year list of modern champions, the all-time titles leaderboard, and answers to the most common questions about March Madness winners.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Champions: Quick Facts
- Most recent champion: Michigan (2026), over UConn.
- Most titles: UCLA, with 11.
- Next best: Kentucky (8), then North Carolina and UConn (6 each).
- 2025 champion: Florida, over Houston.
- Event: the NCAA Division I tournament, known as March Madness.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Champions by Year (2000 to 2026)
| Year | Champion | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Michigan | UConn |
| 2025 | Florida | Houston |
| 2024 | UConn | Purdue |
| 2023 | UConn | San Diego State |
| 2022 | Kansas | North Carolina |
| 2021 | Baylor | Gonzaga |
| 2020 | Not held (COVID-19) | Not held |
| 2019 | Virginia | Texas Tech |
| 2018 | Villanova | Michigan |
| 2017 | North Carolina | Gonzaga |
| 2016 | Villanova | North Carolina |
| 2015 | Duke | Wisconsin |
| 2014 | UConn | Kentucky |
| 2013 | Louisville* | Michigan |
| 2012 | Kentucky | Kansas |
| 2011 | UConn | Butler |
| 2010 | Duke | Butler |
| 2009 | North Carolina | Michigan State |
| 2008 | Kansas | Memphis |
| 2007 | Florida | Ohio State |
| 2006 | Florida | UCLA |
| 2005 | North Carolina | Illinois |
| 2004 | UConn | Georgia Tech |
| 2003 | Syracuse | Kansas |
| 2002 | Maryland | Indiana |
| 2001 | Duke | Arizona |
| 2000 | Michigan State | Florida |
*The NCAA later vacated Louisville’s 2013 title due to rules violations, so the school no longer officially claims it. The 2020 tournament was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the only year since 1939 with no champion.
Schools With the Most NCAA Titles
| School | Titles |
|---|---|
| UCLA | 11 |
| Kentucky | 8 |
| North Carolina | 6 |
| UConn | 6 |
| Duke | 5 |
| Indiana | 5 |
| Kansas | 4 |
| Florida | 3 |
| Villanova | 3 |
UCLA’s total is powered by John Wooden’s dynasty, which won 10 titles in 12 seasons between 1964 and 1975, a run of dominance that may never be matched. UConn has been the modern power, adding titles in 2023 and 2024 to reach six.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the most recent NCAA basketball championship?
Michigan won the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball championship, beating UConn in the final for the program’s first national title since 1989.
Which school has won the most NCAA basketball titles?
UCLA has won the most NCAA men’s basketball titles, with 11, followed by Kentucky with 8, and North Carolina and UConn with 6 each.
Who won the 2025 NCAA championship?
Florida won the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball championship, defeating Houston in the final for the Gators’ third national title.
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