Making the Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament is a pretty big deal. Heading into all the March Mayhem as a No. 1 seed is an even bigger deal.
But some teams have a No. 1 next to their name more often than others. Teams like North Carolina, Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky are at the top of the bracket far more often than others, but when you look at the Big Ten, it’s a more even game of parity.
So which Big Ten programs have enjoyed more No. 1 seeds than others? The results might be a bit surprising. We’re only going back to the year 1979 when the field expanded to 40 teams and every team received a seed.
Here’s a look at Big Ten basketball teams and the times they’ve received the coveted No. 1 seed in all the March Madness.
Wisconsin Badgers (1 Total) - 32nd all-time (tie)
Years and Result Receiving No. 1 Seed
2015 (National Runner-Up)
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Minnesota Golden Gophers (1 Total) - 32nd all-time (tie)
Years and Result Receiving No. 1 Seed
1997 (Final Four)
Maryland Terrapins (1 Total) - 32nd all-time (tie)
Years and Result Receiving No. 1 Seed
2002 (National Championship)
Michigan Wolverines (3 Total) - 16th all-time (tie)
Years and Result Receiving No. 1 Seed
1985 (National Champions)
1993 (National Runner-Up)
2021 (Elite Eight)
Indiana Hoosiers (3 Total) - 16th all-time (tie)
Years and Result Receiving No. 1 Seed
1987 (National Champions)
1993 (Elite Eight)
2013 (Sweet 16)
Purdue Boilermakers (4 Total) - 12th all-time (tied)
Years and Result Receiving No. 1 Seed
1988 (Sweet 16)
1994 (Elite Eight)
1996 (Second Round)
2023 (TBD)
Ohio State Buckeyes (4 Total) - 12th all-time (tied)
Years and Result Receiving No. 1 Seed
1991 (Sweet 16)
1992 (Elite Eight)
2007 (National Runner-Up)
2011 (Sweet 16)
Illinois Fighting Illini (4 total) - 12th all-time (tie)
Years and Result Receiving No. 1 Seed
1989 (Final Four)
2001 (Elite Eight)
2005 (National Runner-Up)
2021 (Second Round)
Michigan State Spartans (5 Total) - 7th all-time (tie)
Years and Result Receiving No. 1 Seed
1990 (Sweet Sixteen)
1999 (Final Four)
2000 (National Champions)
2001 (Final Four)
2012 (Sweet Sixteen)