Kristian Ferrell
The NCAA Men's Final Four, also known as March Madness, is the most exciting weekend in sports, drawing crowds of 150,000 people. The Final Four is the culmination of a tournament that began in 1939 with the first Final Four featuring the National Semifinals and the National Championship game being held separately a week apart. Since then, 95 schools have appeared in the Final Four, with the 2025 Final Four taking place in San Antonio and the 2026 Final Four in Indianapolis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | April 4, 2026 (National Semifinals) and April 6, 2026 (National Championship) |
| Stadium | Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN |
| Teams | UConn Huskies, Miami (FL) Hurricanes, Florida Atlantic (FAU) Owls, San Diego State (SDSU) Aztecs |
| Top Scorers | Nijel Pack (Miami, 18.5 PPG), Isaiah Wong (Miami, 16.5 PPG), Jordan Miller (Miami, 16.5 PPG), Adama Sanogo (UConn, 20.0 PPG), Jordan Hawkins (UConn, 17.3 PPG), Johnell Davis (FAU, 17.3 PPG) |
| Odds | +34,600 (combined odds of all four teams entering the tournament, the third-highest total since 1976) |
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What You'll Learn
NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament Final Four participants
The NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, known colloquially as March Madness, has been held annually since 1939. The National Semifinals, now known as the Final Four, were also considered the Regional Championships until 1951, with the National Championship held separately a week later.
From 1946 to 1981, a consolation game was played before the Championship by the losing teams of the National Semifinals. The winning team was awarded third place, and the losing team was awarded fourth place. In 1982, the NCAA eliminated this game, and the two losing teams of the semifinal games are now considered tied for third place.
Since its inception, 95 schools have appeared in the Final Four. Four additional schools—Minnesota, Saint Joseph's, UMass, and Western Kentucky—had their only appearances vacated. The 1996 Final Four was the last to take place in a venue built specifically for basketball. Since then, the Final Four has been played in large indoor football stadiums.
The tournament has expanded over the years, from 64 teams in 2001 to 65 in 2021, with the addition of the "play-in game". There has been speculation about increasing the tournament size to as many as 128 teams. The COVID-19 pandemic also impacted the tournament, with adjustments made to the schedule and accommodations for participating teams.
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Teams that have won the most hearts
While it's challenging to determine which teams have won the most hearts in the Final Four basketball tournaments, there are several teams that stand out for their impressive records, consistent appearances, and surprising wins. Here are some teams that have likely earned a special place in the hearts of basketball fans:
North Carolina
North Carolina has an impressive record in the Final Four, with the greatest longevity of any program in the history of college basketball. They have made the Final Four at least once every decade since the 1940s, including twice in each decade since the 1960s (excluding the 2020s). With 21 Final Four appearances, they hold the record for the most of all time. Dean Smith, their legendary coach, led them to five of those appearances, showcasing their consistent success.
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana's success, particularly before 2000, has earned them a spot in the hearts of many basketball enthusiasts. Seven of their eight Final Four appearances occurred before the turn of the century, and they won two national championships before 1970. Under the leadership of head coach Bob Knight, they reached the Final Four five times and secured three national championships, including an undefeated 32-0 season in 1976.
Louisville
Although Louisville's record includes vacated trips, they have still managed to capture the hearts of many fans. Denny Crum, their esteemed coach, led them to two titles in 1980 and 1986. Louisville reached the national semifinals as a 4th seed in 2005, showcasing their ability to overcome challenges.
UCLA
UCLA holds the distinction of having won more national championships than any other team. While their path to the Final Four may not always be surprising, their success in the tournament is undeniable.
Michigan State Spartans
The Michigan State Spartans, under the leadership of head coach Tom Izzo, have experienced remarkable success. They have reached the national semifinals eight times since 1999, showcasing their consistency and determination.
Kansas Jayhawks
The Kansas Jayhawks have a rich history in the Final Four, having reached this stage in every decade since the 1970s, except for the 1960s. They have won four national championships, including in 1952, 1988, 2008, and most recently in 2022. Their longevity and championship titles have likely earned them a special place in the hearts of basketball fans.
These teams have left their mark on the Final Four basketball tournaments, captivating fans with their resilience, consistency, and remarkable achievements.
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The Kentucky Derby in '12
The Kentucky Derby is an American Grade I stakes race held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race, which covers a distance of 1 and 1/4 miles (10 furlongs or 2,012 metres), is exclusively for three-year-old Thoroughbreds. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds (57 kilograms), while fillies carry 121 pounds (55 kilograms).
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown, consisting of the Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. It is preceded by a two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival and takes place on the first Saturday in May. The race lasts approximately two minutes and is often referred to as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports", among other names.
The winning horse is draped in a blanket of roses, a tradition that has earned the race the nickname "The Run for the Roses". The Kentucky Derby is known for its festive atmosphere, with traditions such as red roses, Mint Juleps, southern-inspired dishes, and elegant hats.
The 152nd Kentucky Derby will take place on May 1 and 2, 2026, and promises to offer an immersive and luxurious experience for spectators, including improved viewing areas, hospitality spaces, and VIP access.
Now, onto the Final Four in basketball. The NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament is a highly anticipated event, with the Final Four stage being particularly exciting. The 2025 tournament featured 68 men's and women's teams, showcasing the best talent in college basketball.
The road to the Final Four is intense and demanding, with only the top teams advancing. The Final Four is the pinnacle of March Madness, where the remaining four teams compete for a spot in the National Championship game. It is a prestigious honour to reach this stage, and the winners etch their names into basketball history.
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The Most Outstanding Player award
The players who win the award are predominantly members of the championship team. However, ten men and one woman have won the award as players on the losing squad. On the men's side, Houston's Hakeem Olajuwon was the last to do so in 1983, while Virginia's Dawn Staley was the only woman to do so, in 1991.
In 1971, Howard Porter won the award despite Villanova losing to UCLA in the championship game. Lew Alcindor is the only player to have won the award three times. In 1951, no official vote occurred and no player was officially presented with the award, despite some publications claiming that Kentucky's Bill Spivey won the award that year.
Other notable winners of the award include UCLA's Bill Walton, who won it in 1973, and Louisville's Pervis Ellison, who took home the honour in 1986.
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Duke's performance in 2025
Duke University's Blue Devils men's basketball team reached the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. This was the team's first Final Four under coach Jon Scheyer, and the program's 18th overall.
Duke's route to the Final Four included a notable victory over Alabama, whom they defeated 85-65 in the Elite Eight. Alabama entered the game with the nation's leading points-per-game average (91.4) but was held to just 65 points, 26.4 below its season average. Duke's defense held Alabama to 23-of-65 (.354) shooting, the lowest single-game shooting percentage by Alabama during the season. Duke's offense, meanwhile, maintained its strong form, shooting over 50% from the field for the fourth consecutive game.
Duke's victory over Alabama showcased the team's depth, with four players scoring in double digits: Kon Knueppel (21 points), Cooper Flagg (16 points), Tyrese Proctor (17 points), and Khaman Maluach (14 points). Knueppel, a freshman, had his second straight game with at least 20 points, while also contributing a team-high five assists and three steals. Maluach, also a freshman, showcased his athleticism with five of his six made shots coming via slam dunks, and he led the team in rebounds and blocked shots.
In the Final Four, held in San Antonio, Texas, Duke faced the Houston Cougars, while the other semifinal matchup featured the Auburn Tigers against the Florida Gators. Duke entered the Final Four as the early favourite among the four top-seeded teams.
Duke's performance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament demonstrated the team's offensive firepower, defensive prowess, and ability to rise to the occasion. The Blue Devils' combination of size, shooting, and talented players like Knueppel and Flagg positioned them well for a strong showing in the latter stages of the tournament.
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Frequently asked questions
San Diego State, Florida Atlantic, UConn Huskies, and Miami Hurricanes.
UConn Huskies.
The next tournament will be held in 2026.
The 2026 tournament will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
