The 2025-26 men’s college basketball season is almost here.
Before the season begins, here are the top 10 student sections in the sport:
1. The Cameron Crazies (Duke)
The tradition is unlike any other with the tenting for Carolina, the line leaders, the chants and the commitment to Duke.
2. The Paint Crew (Purdue)
The dancing, the chanting, the overall sound that resonates off the top of the arena and the placement at one end of the arena makes this crew an intimidating bunch.
3. The Crimson and Blue (Kansas)
Everything about Kansas is loud and proud. Kansas fans cue up and are there in force, making this the loudest arena in the game.
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4. The Auburn Jungle (Auburn)
Bruce Pearl and company get credit for creating a crazed atmosphere that has made it one of the toughest stops in the SEC.
5. The Izzone (Michigan State)
There isn’t a bad seat in the house, and the students make sure they are in their seats early and throughout, no matter rain, snow, sleet or bitter chill.
6. The Orange Krush (Illinois)
The color coordination can be intimidating enough, but the noise level brought from the faithful make this one of the best in the country.
7. The ZonaZoo (Arizona)
This is really the state’s team, but the students don’t play second to any donor. They are passionate and make Arizona one of the toughest road experiences in the country.
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8. Cyclone Alley (Iowa State)
Students drive this fan base with their commitment to the Cyclones. Hilton has become one of the top buildings in the sport because of the students’ passion.
9. The Kennel Club (Gonzaga)
Don’t be dismayed by the size of the school. The Kennel never, ever disappoints. The singing, the jumping up and down and the overall rave-like feel of a game make this a must-see.
10. The Show (San Diego State)
“The Show” is still in its infancy in top 10 sections, but it has been a constant in the West and a hidden gem. They are creative and dominate the wall-like end of the arena.
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.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NCAA or its member institutions.
