As the 2025-26 season nears, here are the teams that could make a surprise Final Four run.
1. UCLA
Donovan Dent is a Bruin 🐻
UCLA officially announced the signing of the guard via transfer 🤝 pic.twitter.com/iqvi3TEJUN
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 1, 2025
The Bruins won’t be a favorite, but getting the Mountain West Player of the Year in Donovan Dent and the return of their core makes the Bruins a legit Final Four threat.
2. BYU
Rob Wright is a Cougar 🔥
BYU announced the guard will play in Provo next season 👏 pic.twitter.com/PWCo2eWAq3
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 14, 2025
With a potential top pick in AJ Dybantsa, the addition of Baylor transfer Robert Wright III, and the return of Richie Saunders, the Cougars have the talent to make a run.
3. Oregon
The Ducks never seem to get the respect they deserve. Jackson Shelstad should be fine after a broken hand, and Nate Bittle is back for an All-Big Ten season. The pieces are there for a title run.
4. Arizona
The Wildcats overachieved last season but should be in a position to make a deep run if they can stay healthy.
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5. Iowa State
TJ Otzelberger has the experience, the defense and the desire to get the Cyclones to a Final Four.
6. Illinois
If Andrej Stojakovic becomes an All-Big Ten player and scorer, the Illini will have the pieces to make a run.
7. Wisconsin
The Badgers have a strong returning core and a player with Final Four experience in Nick Boyd.
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8. NC State
The Wolfpack were a surprise Final Four team two years ago, but the talent level has increased under first-year coach Will Wade. Making another deep run wouldn’t be a shock.
9. Ohio State
The Buckeyes fell flat late last season, but few teams return as much backcourt experience. This group has the ability to make a deep run.
10. Michigan State
The Spartans may not have a lottery pick this season, but they have a team that knows its role and will be a tough out in every game.
Andy Katz is an NCAA.com correspondent. Katz worked at ESPN for 18 years as a college basketball reporter, host and anchor. He’s covered every Final Four since 1992, and the sport since 1986 as a freshman at Wisconsin. He is a former president of the United States Basketball Writers Association. Katz can also be seen covering college basketball on Big Ten Network during the regular season. Follow him on Twitter at @theandykatz.
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