Most Elite Eight Appearances in Men’s College Basketball History

The Elite Eight is the benchmark for what separates the elite and the good basketball teams. It takes a special squad to make it that far in the tournament and get their chance to win it all.

Here is the current top five list for the most Elite Eight appearances in men’s college basketball history. Check out the list below and use this bitcasino reward code to get a bonus on your next wager.

5. Kansas Jayhawks: 23 Elite Eights

The Kansas Jayhawks start off the list with an incredible 23 appearances in the Elite Eight. Kansas has had some memorable E8 moments between legendary coaches Roy Williams and Bill Self.

One of their most recent appearances occurred in 2022 when they blew out Miami 76-59 to advance. Bill Self’s squad would go on to win the school’s fourth title and the second of Self’s career 

4. UCLA Bruins: 23 Elite Eights

To the surprise of none the most successful CBB program of all time is on the most Elite Eight appearances list. The UCLA Bruins had the greatest era of success during the 1960s and 1970s.

Not only did they make it in the Elite Eight, but won it all ten times. In total, UCLA had made it to the Elite Eight 23 times and counting.

One of the school’s greatest E8 moments happened in 1995 when Ed O’Bannon put up 30 points and 17 rebounds. This great performance allowed UCLA to advance to their first Final Four appearance in twenty years.

3. Duke Blue Devils: 24 Elite Eights

The Duke Blue Devils are up next on the list of most Elite Eight appearances with 24 and counting. Duke made the majority of their appearances under the legendary Coach K who made them into an elite basketball program.

This school has had countless iconic moments during March Madness. One of the biggest was Christian Laetner’s incredible performance which was capped off by his buzzer beating shot.

Duke made their 24th appearance last year and are expected to make their 25th this year.

2. North Carolina Tar Heels: 29 Elite Eights

At #2 with the most Elite Eight appearances is the North Carolina Tar Heels. UNC is one of the most successful CBB programs ever and no one is ever surprised to see them make a run.

Their 29 E8 appearances are filled with iconic moments, which include a future GOAT in Michael Jordan. In 1982, Jordan led the team with a 22-point performance and later hit a game-winning shot in the finals.

Three years ago, the Tar Heels made their 29th Elite Eight and are looking for #30 this year.

1. Kentucky Wildcats: 38 Elite Eights

At the top of the list of the most Elite Eight appearances in men’s college basketball history is the Kentucky Wildcats. The Wildcats were one of the first great CBB programs and have reached the E8 38 times.

One of their biggest tournament moments took place in 1996 with their “Untouchables” squad who dominated the tournament. First year head coach Mark Pope will try to continue the tradition and make it 39 E8 appearances.