Ranking The Worst 35 NCAA Teams in College Basketball History
In the big world of college basketball, where some teams become famous and some players become stars, there’s also a less happy story. This article focuses on the teams that have had a really tough time throughout history. Despite trying their best, these teams haven’t been able to make a big impact on the sport they love. And now, as the 2025 NCAA tournament kicks off, the spotlight isn’t just on those aiming for glory; it also shines on those who’ve faced challenge after challenge. They’ve gone a long time without making it to big tournaments and have had seasons where they lost a lot more than they won. As we dive into the excitement of the new tournament season, let’s also take a moment to look at some of the college basketball teams that have really struggled, showing that sometimes just keeping going is what competition is all about.
35. University of Memphis
The Memphis Tigers’ basketball history is a tapestry of bright moments overshadowed by periods of frustration and missed opportunities. Historically, the Tigers have assembled rosters brimming with talent and have occasionally surged to the forefront of college basketball with high rankings and deep tournament runs.
Yet, despite their potential and moments of brilliance, the program has often stumbled when expectations were highest, failing to secure national championships or capitalize on seasons of promise. This pattern of coming close yet falling short at crucial junctures has been a recurring theme, cementing a legacy of what might have been for the Memphis Tigers.
34. DePaul University
Once a powerhouse in men’s college basketball, the DePaul Blue Demons’ fall from grace illustrates a dramatic shift from their glory days. The team that once regularly featured in the NCAA tournament and produced NBA talent has struggled significantly in recent decades to reclaim its status among the collegiate elite.
Persistent challenges in recruiting, coaching turnovers, and an inability to compete consistently in conference play have marred their historical success. This decline is marked by a prolonged absence from the NCAA tournament and difficulties in achieving winning seasons, highlighting a storied program’s struggle to adapt and thrive in the modern era of college basketball.
33. Oregon State University
Oregon State’s basketball program, with a history stretching back over a century, has experienced its share of highs, but it’s the lows that have defined their recent decades. Despite having periods of competitiveness and producing notable NBA talent, the Beavers have found it challenging to maintain consistent success in the Pac-12, one of the country’s premier basketball conferences.
This inconsistency has resulted in sporadic appearances in the NCAA tournament and difficulty in sustaining winning records, underscoring a struggle to keep pace with the evolving landscape of college basketball and regain its historical prominence.
32. Columbia University
Within the competitive landscape of Ivy League basketball, the Columbia Lions have historically occupied the role of the underdog. Despite a rich history that includes moments of success, the program has often struggled to keep pace with its Ivy League counterparts, facing challenges in recruiting, depth, and on-court performance.
This struggle is reflected in their limited appearances in the NCAA tournament and difficulties in capturing Ivy League titles. The Lions’ journey through college basketball highlights the challenges faced by smaller programs in achieving and sustaining success in a landscape dominated by larger, more resourced institutions.