Based on recent NCAA tournament trends, only a few teams are likely true national championship contenders once March Madness officially gets underway.
Seven of the last eight national champions were No. 1 seeds, with Connecticut the lone exception as a No. 4 seed in 2023. The Huskies were also a bit more talented than their seed displayed, especially as they repeated as national champions the following season.
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Moreover, 18 of the last 25 national champions since 2000 have been No. 1 seeds. The last team higher than a No. 4 seed to win the national championship was also UConn in 2014, meaning the Huskies hold both spots as the highest-seeded teams to win a title since 2000.
Three No. 3 seeds have won national titles since 2000, and one No. 2 seed has won during that time.
