Blue Bloods: How Many Are Left?

TL;DR

The concept of 'Blue Bloods' in college basketball is debated, with only Duke and UConn considered reliable by some experts. Other traditional powerhouses like UNC, Kansas, and Kentucky are struggling to maintain their elite status in the NIL era.

Key points

Duke and UConn are seen as the only reliable Blue Bloods.
Traditional powerhouses are struggling in the NIL era.
The concept of Blue Bloods is debated among fans and experts.

DukeUConnUNCKansas

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 07: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half of the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images The whole concept of Blue Bloods is annoying. Some teams have been very successful over the decades, obviously, including Duke. But the term seems kind of dumb. That said, people use it, so who would be a Blue Blood? Most of these teams would probably make your list, but some you’d surely drop. Indiana has been mostly irrelevant since Bob Knight’s declining years there. Michigan has been really up and down, but they’ve been a solid program since the 1960s. Houston has had at least three great runs, two under Guy Lewis, and one under current coach Kelvin Sampson. UCLA is hard to dismiss because of John Wooden’s insane run, but they’ve been erratic for years. We put St. John’s on the list because they’ve had a long and glorious history, and now they have Rick Pitino. And now, in the NIL era, it’s harder than ever to maintain an elite status. In fact, CBS’s Jon Rothstein argues that there are only two reliable Blue Bloods: Duke and UConn. That’s going to irritate fans of the other schools on this list, but it’s a rational argument. The most entertaining thing in college basketball in the near future will be watching UNC, Kansas, and most of all, Kentucky, trying to re-establish their bona fides.

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Q&A

Which teams are currently considered Blue Bloods in college basketball?

Duke and UConn are currently viewed as the only reliable Blue Bloods in college basketball.

What challenges do traditional college basketball powerhouses face today?

Traditional powerhouses like UNC, Kansas, and Kentucky are struggling to maintain elite status due to changes in the NIL landscape.

How has the definition of Blue Bloods changed in recent years?

The definition of Blue Bloods has evolved, with fewer teams maintaining consistent success, leading to debates about which programs truly qualify.

Blue Bloods: How Many Are Left?

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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