The Most Popular College Basketball Team, Ranked

Choose the college basketball team you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 5, 2024 06:33
Fans of college basketball often debate which team holds the top spot in terms of popularity and support. This enthusiasm mirrors the dynamic and spirited nature of the sport itself. By ranking these teams based on fan votes, we not only see which team has the largest following but also engage in a wider community discussion about the qualities that make a team favored by many. This interactive ranking invites all fans to participate, ensuring that every voice is heard in the shaping of the list. Your vote directly influences the live ranking, creating a lively and constantly updated snapshot of fan opinion. This active participation helps keep the ranking reflective of real-time sentiments and keeps the basketball community connected.

What Is the Most Popular College Basketball Team?

  1. 1
    58
    votes

    Duke Blue Devils

    Duke University
    Duke is one of the most successful college basketball programs in history, with five national championships and numerous NBA stars who have come through their program.
    The Duke Blue Devils is a highly successful and renowned college basketball team. They represent Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina. Known for their fierce competitiveness and rich basketball tradition, the Blue Devils have achieved great success over the years. The team is recognized for its outstanding coaching, talented players, and passionate fan base.
    • Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski
    • Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
    • Home Arena: Cameron Indoor Stadium
    • Number of National Championships: 5
    • Number of Final Four Appearances: 16
    Duke Blue Devils in other rankings
  2. 2
    51
    votes
    UNC has a storied history in college basketball, with six national championships and a long list of NBA players who have played for the Tar Heels.
    The North Carolina Tar Heels is a college basketball team that represents the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Known for their rich history and success in the sport, the Tar Heels are one of the most popular and successful college basketball programs in the United States.
    • Home Arena: Dean E. Smith Center
    • Nickname: Tar Heels
    • Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
    • Established: 1910
    • Colors: Carolina Blue and White
    North Carolina Tar Heels in other rankings
  3. 3
    41
    votes

    Kentucky Wildcats

    Adolph Rupp
    Kentucky has a passionate fan base and a history of success, with eight national championships and a long list of NBA players who have played for the Wildcats.
    The Kentucky Wildcats is the men's basketball team of the University of Kentucky. It is one of the most successful and storied college basketball programs in the United States. The team competes in the NCAA Division I as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
    • Established: 1903
    • Home Arena: Rupp Arena
    • Colors: Royal Blue and White
    • Conference Championships: 49
    • NCAA Tournament Appearances: 59
    Kentucky Wildcats in other rankings
  4. 4
    22
    votes

    Kansas Jayhawks

    James Naismith
    Kansas has a strong basketball tradition and has won three national championships. They also have a loyal fan base that consistently fills their arena.
    The Kansas Jayhawks is the men's basketball team of the University of Kansas. It is one of the most successful and popular college basketball teams in the United States. The team competes in the Big 12 Conference.
    • Established: 1898
    • Home arena: Allen Fieldhouse
    • Colors: Crimson and blue
    • Conference championships: 62
    • National championships: 3
    Kansas Jayhawks in other rankings
  5. 5
    14
    votes

    UCLA Bruins

    James J. C. Lee
    UCLA has a long history of success in college basketball, with 11 national championships, including a run of seven in a row during the 1960s and 70s. They have produced numerous NBA stars, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton.
    The UCLA Bruins is the men's basketball team for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). They are one of the most successful and iconic teams in college basketball history, known for their rich tradition and numerous championships.
    • First Season: 1919
    • Championships: 11
    • Final Four Appearances: 18
    • NCAA Tournament Appearances: 50
    • Conference Titles: 32
    UCLA Bruins in other rankings
  6. 6
    12
    votes

    Indiana Hoosiers

    Indiana University
    Indiana has a passionate fan base and a history of success, with five national championships. They also have a legendary coach in Bob Knight, who led the Hoosiers to three of their national championships.
    The Indiana Hoosiers is a collegiate basketball team representing Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Known for their rich tradition and success in college basketball, they are one of the most popular and iconic teams in the sport.
    • Established: 1900
    • Home Arena: Assembly Hall
    • Colors: Crimson and Cream
    • Conference: Big Ten Conference
    • National Championships: 5
    Indiana Hoosiers in other rankings
  7. 7
    5
    votes

    Michigan State Spartans

    Michigan State University
    Michigan State has had a strong program under head coach Tom Izzo, winning two national championships and producing numerous NBA players. They also have a passionate fan base that consistently fills their arena.
    The Michigan State Spartans is the basketball team representing Michigan State University located in East Lansing, Michigan. They compete in the NCAA Division I as a member of the Big Ten Conference. The team has a rich history and is known for its success in college basketball, making multiple Final Four appearances and winning multiple Big Ten Championships.
    • Nickname: Spartans
    • Conference: Big Ten Conference
    • Head Coach: Tom Izzo
    • Home Arena: Breslin Center
    • Colors: Green and White
    Michigan State Spartans in other rankings
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    Louisville has had success both on and off the court, winning two national championships and producing numerous NBA players. They also have a loyal fan base that consistently fills their arena.
    The Louisville Cardinals is the name of the men's basketball team representing the University of Louisville. They are a popular college basketball team with a rich history and a strong following.
    • Nickname: Cardinals
    • Location: Louisville, Kentucky
    • Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
    • Home Arena: KFC Yum! Center
    • Established: 1911
    Louisville Cardinals in other rankings
  9. 9
    8
    votes

    Arizona Wildcats

    University of Arizona
    Arizona has had success under head coach Lute Olson, winning one national championship and producing numerous NBA players. They also have a loyal fan base that consistently fills their arena.
    The Arizona Wildcats is a college basketball team representing the University of Arizona. They compete in the NCAA Division I as part of the Pac-12 Conference. The team has a rich history and is known for their success on the national stage.
    • Location: Tucson, Arizona
    • Mascot: Wilbur and Wilma Wildcat
    • Colors: Navy blue, cardinal red, and white
    • Home Court: McKale Center
    • Championships: 1 NCAA championship (1997)
  10. 10
    9
    votes

    Syracuse Orange

    Syracuse University
    Syracuse has had success under head coach Jim Boeheim, winning one national championship and producing numerous NBA players. They also have a passionate fan base that consistently fills their arena.
    The Syracuse Orange is the name used for the athletic teams of Syracuse University. The basketball team is particularly popular and well-known across the college basketball landscape.
    • Team Name: Syracuse Orange
    • Location: Syracuse, New York
    • Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
    • Colors: Orange and Navy Blue
    • Home Arena: Carrier Dome
    Syracuse Orange in other rankings

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Ranking factors for popular college basketball team

  1. Fan base size and engagement
    The number of fans the team has, and how engaged they are with the team, such as attending games, following on social media, and participating in fan events, forums, etc. 2. Historical success: A team's performance throughout its history, including national championships, Final Four appearances, conference titles, and overall win-loss records. 3. Recent success: A team's performance in recent years, such as tournament appearances, high-profile wins, and player awards, can impact the team's popularity. 4. Notable players and coaches: Having well-known and successful players or coaches can increase a team's popularity. These can be current players or notable alumni. 5. Media coverage and national recognition: The amount of media coverage the team receives, such as appearances on ESPN or other national broadcasts, and how well-known the team is across the country. 6. Rivalries and traditions: A team's rivalries with other teams and its traditions can impact its popularity, as fans often get invested in closely-contested rivalries and take pride in their team's unique traditions. 7. Geographic location and market size: A team in a larger market or with a larger regional fan base may have a higher level of popularity. 8. Quality of the basketball program: This includes factors such as the team's facilities, resources, academic reputation, and coaching staff. 9. Success of other sports programs at the same college: A school with a highly successful football or other sports program may have a larger overall fan base, which can contribute to the popularity of its basketball team. 10. Alumni network and outreach: A strong alumni network that actively supports the basketball team can both contribute financially and help maintain a higher level of fan engagement.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular college basketball team. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or team is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3482 views
  • 194 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each team once every 24 hours. The rank of each team is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular college basketball team

College basketball is a sport that has captured the hearts of many. Every year, the NCAA basketball tournament, also known as March Madness, draws in millions of viewers from around the world. With so many talented teams representing colleges and universities across the country, it's no surprise that fans are passionate about their favorite college basketball teams. The popularity of college basketball has led to intense rivalries and heated debates about which team is the best. At StrawPoll, we've seen thousands of polls and rankings on this topic - and the results are always interesting. From Duke to Kentucky, to UNC and beyond, there is no shortage of love for these college basketball powerhouses. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting into the sport, exploring the most popular college basketball teams is a great way to get to know the landscape of this exciting game. So, without further ado, let's take a closer look at the top college basketball teams and what makes them so beloved by their fans.

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