Can a Big Ten Team Break 26-Year NCAA Tournament Drought?

Mar 18, 2026 10:01 PMPublished Mar 18, 2026 10:01 PM

Michigan State was the last Big Ten team to win a national title, and that was 26 years ago in 2000. League teams have had their chances. Fourteen teams have reached a Final Four since then — and none of them won it all.

Here's the story by Tom Brew from our national page, with great thoughts from Michigan State's Tom Izzo, Illinois' Brad Underwood, Purdue's Matt Painter, Nebraska's Fred Hoiberg and Northwestern's Chris Collins.

Since Michigan State won the 2000 NCAA Tournament, 14 Big Ten teams have made it to the Final Four but none were able to claim a national championship. The 26-year drought is the longest in history for the league. What's behind the drought, and will it change this year with nine teams in the field?

roundtable.ioMy Two Cents: Can Big Ten End 26-Year Drought and Win 2026 NCAA Tournament?Since Michigan State won the 2000 NCAA Tournament, 14 Big Ten teams have made it to the Final Four but none were able to claim a national championship. The 26-year drought is the longest in history for the league. What's behind the drought, and will it change this year with nine teams in the field?

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