The Teams Still Waiting: Men's NCAA Tournament Droughts in 2026
With 68 teams making the men’s NCAA tournament, several programs remain without a bid. We explore the teams still pursuing their first March Madness appearance as of 2026.
IntroductionIn the dynamic landscape of collegiate basketball, the NCAA tournament represents the pinnacle of achievement. As of 2026, with the tournament field expanded to 68 teams, it may come as a surprise that numerous programs still await their first appearance in March Madness. For these schools, the quest for an NCAA bid remains a daunting challenge amidst a myriad of historical trials and tribulations.
This analysis highlights those Division I teams that have yet to participate in the NCAA tournament, examining their historical contexts, struggles, and the changing conditions of college athletics.
Teams Awaiting First NCAA Tournament AppearanceA total of 32 programs have never graced the NCAA tournament stage, despite the tournament's long history since its inception in 1939. Here’s a look at some of the notable teams and their associated conferences:
- Army (Patriot)- The Citadel (SoCon)- William & Mary (CAA)- UCA (ASUN)- Maine (America East)- Sacramento State (Big Sky)
While some teams have only recently transitioned to Division I, others have long histories yet remain without NCAA bids.
Notable Examples of Long-Drought Schools
Among the listed teams are a few with particularly notable narratives:
- Army: The Black Knights may be one of the most intriguing cases, having declined an NCAA tournament invitation back in 1968 under coach Bobby Knight, believing they had a better chance in the NIT. Their decision led to a quick exit from that tournament, and they have not returned to NCAA contention since.- William & Mary: The Tribe has been eligible for the tournament since its inception, resulting in consistent frustration among fans over the decades. - The Citadel: This Southern conference team remains without a single NCAA appearance despite years of competition.
Recent Changes in EligibilityIn recent years, schools such as SIUE, Omaha, High Point, and UC San Diego have successfully transitioned from this dubious list, earning their first-ever NCAA tournament bids. Their breakthroughs may inspire other programs striving for similar milestones. Seven teams are eligible for the first time in the 2025-26 season:
- Lindenwood (Ohio Valley)- Southern Indiana (Ohio Valley)- Stonehill (NEC)
This evolution shows the potential for growth within these historically unsupported programs. Winning a conference tournament remains the primary pathway to securing an NCAA bid, emphasizing the importance of competitive success on the court.
The Impact of NCAA’s Expansion
The NCAA tournament has expanded significantly since its modest beginnings, allowing more teams to compete each year:
- 1939: Starting with 8 teams - 1951: Expanded to 16 teams - 1985: Growth stabilized at 64 teams - 2011: Introduction of the First Four raised the to a steady 68 teams
This expansion has opened doors for schools that might not have previously stood a chance, showcasing the relentless evolution of March Madness.
The Bottom LineFor many of the 32 teams still waiting to make their NCAA tournament debut, the journey continues. Programs like Army, William & Mary, and The Citadel still hold out hope for that elusive first chance to dance in March Madness. The ongoing transformations within collegiate athletics and conference organizations could mean that each season brings new opportunities for these teams to break through.
As the 2026 tournament approaches, anticipation builds for underdog narratives and potential Cinderella stories. Fans will be keenly watching these programs, hoping they can finally break the chains of historical drought and claim their place in college basketball lore.
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### Source Note
The original facts were aggregated from unknown reporting and public league statements.