The 10 men’s college basketball programs most likely to win their first title in the next decade

1. From 2023 to 2025, three college basketball programs - San Diego State, Purdue, and Houston - have reached the Final Four but failed to win a national title, marking a shift in the sport.

2. BYU has never appeared in the Final Four, but its recent signing of the top high school prospect and his subsequent selection as the top overall pick in the NBA Draft suggests that the Cougars have the potential to secure a national championship in the next decade.

3. Purdue has consistently been a relevant men's basketball program, appearing in three Final Fours and six regional finals over the past six decades, but has yet to win a national championship.

4. Purdue's coach, Matt Painter, is only 55 years old and has solidified his position as one of the elite coaches in the sport, while also being firmly rooted at Indiana. With Indiana becoming a national football powerhouse, Purdue may have a significant advantage over other Big Ten programs.

5. Texas Tech, driven by the current NIL era, has an abundance of funds to invest in various sports, including men's basketball. The Red Raiders came close to a national title in 2019, and their strong financial situation could propel them to a championship in the next decade.

6. Tennessee has not appeared in a Final Four, but the 2026-27 team, featuring a talented offensive group and Rick Barnes' defensive excellence, could be the most formidable squad Barnes has assembled at Knoxville. With Barnes approaching retirement and no clear successor, Tennessee remains financially committed to basketball, preventing it from fading into obscurity.