The 2025 Sweet 16 is set—Auburn, Duke, Kentucky, and more are vying for glory. But when did these teams last hoist the NCAA trophy? From blue-blood champs to title-less hopefuls, here’s a look at their most recent national titles and who’s best positioned to break a drought.
The Champs: Last Title Wins, Including Kentucky Basketball
Eight of the Sweet 16 teams have cut down the nets—some recently, some decades ago.
Kentucky (No. 3 Midwest) – 2012
Anthony Davis dominated, leading the Wildcats to their eighth national title with a 78-69 win over Kansas. Thirteen years is a drought for Big Blue Nation—can they end it?
Duke (No. 1 East) – 2015
Coach K’s fifth championship came in a 68-63 thriller over Wisconsin at Lucas Oil Stadium. A decade later, the Blue Devils are eyeing No. 6.
Florida (No. 1 West) – 2007
Joakim Noah and the Gators went back-to-back, crushing Ohio State 84-75. Eighteen years later, Florida is hungry for another.
Michigan State (No. 2 South) – 2000
Mateen Cleaves powered Tom Izzo’s Spartans to a 89-76 rout of Florida. Twenty-five years later, Michigan State is chasing a third title.
Maryland (No. 4 West) – 2002
Juan Dixon’s Terrapins defeated Indiana 64-52 for their lone championship. Twenty-three years later—is it time for title No. 2?
Arizona (No. 4 East) – 1997
Lute Olson’s Wildcats stunned Kentucky 84-79 in OT for their only title. Twenty-eight years is a long time—can they reclaim their glory?
Michigan (No. 5 South) – 1989
Glen Rice led the Wolverines to an 80-79 OT win over Seton Hall. Thirty-six years later, Michigan fans are starving for another banner.
Arkansas (No. 10 West) – 1994
Nolan Richardson’s “40 Minutes of Hell” delivered a 76-72 win over Duke. Thirty-one years later, can the Hogs make history again?
The Chasers: Still Waiting
Eight teams in this Sweet 16 have never won it all—some have come close, others are still searching for a breakthrough.
Auburn (No. 1 South) – Never
Despite a 2019 Final Four run, Auburn has never claimed a title. As a No. 1 seed in 2025, could this be the year?
Houston (No. 1 Midwest) – Never
The legendary Phi Slama Jama fell short in 1983 and 1984. Now, sixty years title-free, another No. 1 seed opportunity awaits.
Tennessee (No. 2 Midwest) – Never
Closest call? The 1977 Elite Eight. Now facing Kentucky again—can the Vols finally break through?
Alabama (No. 2 East) – Never
No Final Fours. No titles. But Nate Oats’ squad is knocking on the door—will the Tide finally roll to a championship?
Texas Tech (No. 3 West) – Never
Runner-up in 2019 (85-77 OT loss to Virginia). Six years later, the Red Raiders want more than just “close.”
Purdue (No. 4 Midwest) – Never
The 1969 national runner-up (lost to UCLA 92-72) is Purdue’s high point. With Zach Edey gone, can Matt Painter finally finish the job?
Brigham Young (No. 6 East) – Never
BYU’s deepest run? The 1981 Elite Eight. The Cougars are a long shot—can they shock the field?
Mississippi (No. 6 South) – Never
No Final Fours. No titles. The Rebels are this year’s Cinderella—can they dance their way to history?
Who’s Next in 2025?
Half of this Sweet 16 boasts championship history; the other half dreams of making their own. Kentucky’s eight titles give them pedigree, but Auburn and Houston’s No. 1 seeds scream momentum. Duke’s the favorite, for now. But who comes out on top?