Kentucky ranks No. 6 in CBS Sports’ top programs of the last 25 years

Since the 2000–01 season, Kentucky has posted a 651-222 record, which is the fourth-most wins nationally over that span. Kentucky is also one of only 12 programs to capture a national championship since 2000, winning it all in 2012 under John Calipari. On top of that, Kentucky has claimed nine regular-season SEC titles, cementing its status as the highest-ranked SEC team on Boone’s list.

Boone’s top five features Duke, Kansas, UConn, North Carolina, and Michigan State. Duke earned the No. 1 spot with three national titles since 2000 (2001, 2010, 2015), six Final Four appearances, and 720 wins, which is the most of any program over the past 25 years. Kansas was close behind with 717 victories, while Gonzaga followed with 716.

Kentucky narrowly missed joining that top tier but remains firmly in the conversation with its blend of consistency, championships, and sustained success. “With the fourth-most wins since 2000, Kentucky stakes its claim as the highest-ranked SEC team and just barely misses the exclusive top-five club,” Boone wrote.

Boone’s full top 25 ranking is as follows:

Though not cracking the top five, Kentucky’s track record of dominance and its national championship pedigree keep it among the elite. Kentucky’s tradition and standard of excellence remain central to the sport’s modern history and to the program’s expectations moving forward.