Top 10 most-watched games of the 2025–26 men’s college basketball season

The 2025–26 men’s college basketball season delivered one of the strongest TV runs in years. It built through the regular season, then reached its peak when the NCAA Tournament started on March 19 and carried through the Final Four and national championship. The tournament again showed why March Madness remains one of the biggest events in American sports. It brought together top programs, high-pressure games, and the kind of stage that helps shape future NBA players.

Michigan and UConn closed the season in the title game on April 6, and that matchup finished as the most-watched game of the year. Michigan’s win over UConn drew the biggest audience of the tournament and capped a postseason that also delivered strong numbers in the Final Four, Elite Eight, Sweet 16, and Round of 32. The year also had major regular-season draws, including high-profile nonconference games in November that pulled in millions of viewers.

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This season was loaded with teams that carried national attention. Michigan, UConn, Duke, Kansas, Purdue, Arizona, Kentucky, St. John’s, Illinois, and Michigan State all helped drive ratings. The season had the kind of games that keep fans watching late, whether it was buzzer-beaters, comebacks, or win-or-go-home pressure. That is what makes men’s college basketball such a strong TV product every year, and 2025–26 was no different.

Below are the 10 most-watched games of the season, ranked in descending order.

1. Michigan Wolverines vs. UConn Huskies [18.28 million]

Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) and guard L.J. Cason (2) wave to fans on Tuesday, April, 7, 2026, at Crisler Center after the team arrived home after winning the NCAA national championship, 69-63, against Connecticut.

This was the national championship game and the biggest audience of the college basketball season. Michigan beat UConn on April 6, 2026, in the title game that aired across TBS, TNT, and truTV. The game peaked at 20.4 million viewers and finished as the most-watched national championship since 2019. It was the final step in Michigan’s run to the program’s first national title since 1989.

2. Michigan Wolverines vs. Arizona Wildcats [14.29 million]

Mar 25, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Bryce James (6) smiles during a practice session ahead of the west regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

This was a Final Four game played on April 4, 2026. Michigan controlled the matchup and moved on to the championship game. The game drew a large audience because it featured a top seed in a high-stakes semifinal setting. It also included a “Fab Five” alt-cast on truTV that added to the night’s attention.

3. UConn Huskies vs. Illinois Fighting Illini [14.16 million]

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) talks with forward David Mirkovic (0) during the second half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

This was the other Final Four game, also played on April 4, 2026. UConn held off Illinois to reach the national championship. The game had strong late-game tension, which helped keep the audience high throughout the night. It was one of the most watched men’s college basketball games of the season.

4. UConn Huskies vs. Duke Blue Devils [13.43 million]

UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) has his shot tipped Saturday, April 4, 2026, by Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) during a Final Four game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

This Elite Eight game was played on March 29, 2026. UConn came back from 19 points down to beat Duke in one of the most dramatic games of the tournament. The finish was tight, and the game-winning shot came with 0.4 seconds left. It was one of the biggest draws of the postseason.

5. St. John’s Red Storm vs. Kansas Jayhawks [10.58 million]

Mar 19, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Tre White (3) and guard Darryn Peterson (22) during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

This Round of 32 game was played on March 22, 2026. St. John’s won on a buzzer-beating shot by Dylan Darling and became the most-watched game of the opening weekend. The matchup drew national attention because both teams had strong brand names. The late finish helped push the audience above 10 million.

6. Purdue Boilermakers vs. Arizona Wildcats [10.14 million]

Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) celebrates as his team scores against the Arizona Wildcats during a NCAA Tournament game Saturday, March 28, 2026 at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. Purdue fell to Arizona 79-64.

This Elite Eight game took place on March 28, 2026. Purdue led at halftime, but Arizona took over in the second half and secured a Final Four spot. The game mattered because it decided a trip to the national semifinals. The back-and-forth nature of the contest helped its viewership.

7. Kentucky Wildcats vs. Iowa State Cyclones [9.79 million]

Jan 7, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Denzel Aberdeen (1) chest bumps forward Jayden Quaintance (21) before the game against the Missouri Tigers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

This Round of 32 game was played on March 22, 2026. Kentucky started well, but Iowa State pulled away and advanced to the Sweet 16. The game brought strong interest because Kentucky always draws a large audience. It was one of the most-watched second-round games of the tournament.

8. TCU Horned Frogs vs. Duke Blue Devils [9.55 million]

Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Texas Christian University Horned Frogs guard Brock Harding (2) drives to the basket during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

This Round of 32 game took place on March 21, 2026. Duke survived another upset scare and stayed alive in the bracket. The Blue Devils remained one of the biggest TV draws in the sport, even in a tense early-round game. The matchup delivered a strong audience in the afternoon window.

9. St. John’s Red Storm vs. Duke Blue Devils [9.37 million]

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) dribbles the ball past St. John’s Red Storm forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

This Sweet 16 game was played on March 27, 2026. Duke advanced again after a close game against St. John’s. The matchup kept the Blue Devils in the spotlight and helped lift the later rounds of the tournament. It was another game that benefited from two major national programs.

10. Louisville Cardinals vs. Michigan State Spartans [8.47 million]

Louisville Cardinals guard Mikel Brown Jr. (0) was unfazed after he scored 45 points with 10-for-16 3-point shooting as the Cards roll past NC State 118-77 at the KFC Yum! Center in downtown Louisville February 9, 2026.

This Round of 32 game was played on March 21, 2026. Michigan State won 77-69 and moved into the Sweet 16 for the second straight year. The game drew strong afternoon ratings because both schools have national followings. It rounded out the top 10 most-watched games of the season.

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Conclusion

Michigan’s title-game win over UConn closed a college basketball season that delivered strong ratings, dramatic March Madness moments, and audiences for the Final Four, Elite Eight, and early-round games. The 2025–26 men’s college basketball year showed how top programs and close finishes still drive national interest. With the tournament setting new viewership marks, the sport now moves into the next cycle with attention on future stars, teams, and season’s matchups.