King of the Blue Bloods? How UConn can pass Duke this weekend

Who is and isn't a blue blood incollege basketballis often a heated debate. By definition a blue blood is a program with elite lineage.

UConn's blood line of elite success didn't get going until the 1990s. The Huskies reached six Sweet 16s in the decade before breaking through in 1999 with the program's first national title.

The Huskies arrive atthis week's Final Fourlooking to win aseventhnational title (and third in four years). It's a run unmatched in modern history and winning at a level we haven't seen since the Wizard of Westwood.

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Final Four predictions:Who will advance to national championship game?

Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Nebraska's Berke Buyuktuncel celebrates with fans following a second-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between Nebraska Cornhuskers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on March 21, 2026.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleaders in the second half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

See best of March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities

Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournamentat Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.

If UConn wins the 2026 national championship, they would move into sole possession of third place on the NCAA's all-time title list, trailing only UCLA (11) and Kentucky (8).

Is UConn a blue blood or a new blood? How about both.

Members of the USA TODAY Sports staff debated for an hour. "It's an inexact science," they said. Challenge accepted. Using that 1999 season as the marker, we looked at which programs have been the most successful by devising a super scientific formula:

• 20 points for national title

• 10 points for Final Four

• 6 points for regular-season conference title

• 5 points for Sweet 16

• -5 points for losing season

Here's how the math shook out:

10. Arizona (156 points)

• 10 Pac-12 regular season championships, 1 Big 12 title

• 14 Sweet 16s

• 2 Final Fours

• 0 national titles

• 0 losing seasons

• 709-250 (.739)

This might just be Arizona's first Final Four trip since 2001, but the Wildcats have been a model of consistency as one of the West's powerhouses.

See the best photos of Arizona basketball's run to 2026 Final Four

9. Villanova (158 points)

• 8 Big East regular season championships

• 8 Sweet 16s

• 4 Final Fours

• 2 national titles

• 2 losing seasons

• 659-291 (.694)

Life without Jay Wright hasn't been great, but his run of two titles in three years (2016, 2018) and two more Final Fours land the Wildcats on this list.

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8. Kentucky (185 points)

• 10 SEC regular season championships

• 14 Sweet 16s

• 4 Final Fours

• 1 national title

• 1 losing season

• 724-255 (.740)

A blue blood that still cracks this list. Kentucky fans will tell you they belong higher up on this list, but the numbers don't lie. Kentucky's eight national titles in program history are second-most in NCAA history, but the Wildcats have just one since 1999. In fact, UK hasn't been to a Final Four since 2015.

7. Florida (192 points)

• 7 SEC regular season championships

• 10 Sweet 16s

• 5 Final Fours

• 3 national titles

• 2 losing seasons

• 686-284 (.707)

Surprised to see Florida this low on the list, but sandwiched in between Billy Donovan and Todd Golden, the Mike White years were truly forgettable.

6. Gonzaga (234 points)

• 24 WCC regular season championships

• 14 Sweet 16s

• 2 Final Fours

• 0 losing seasons

• 801-163 (.831)

OK, so the 24 West Coast Conference titles are doing some heavy lifting here. But don't scoff at the 14 Sweet 16s. That's a remarkable run of steadiness, first as a Cinderella, then as a favorite. They played for the national title twice, losing to North Carolina in 2017 and Baylor in 2021. No one was won more (801) than the Zags.

5. Kansas (236 points)

• 11 Big 12 regular season championships

• 14 Sweet 16s

• 6 Final Fours

• 2 national titles

• 0 losing seasons

• 788-206 (.793)

No Sweet 16 appearances since winning the 2022 national title kept the Jayhawks from appearing higher on this list, that was actually the only Sweet 16 in the past seven tournaments for KU.

4. Michigan State (245 poins)

• 10 Big Ten regular season championships

• 17 Sweet 16s

• 8 Final Fours

• 1 national title

• 0 losing seasons

• 709-269 (.725)

The last Big Ten team to win a national title, Tom Izzo's staggering 17 Sweet 16s and eight Final Fours are a model of consistent excellence.

3. North Carolina (251 points)

• 11 ACC regular season championships

• 13 Sweet 16s

• 7 Final Fours

• 3 national titles

• 2 losing seasons

• 709-284 (.714)

Hubert Davisgot the Tar Heels to a national championship game in Year 1, and then a Sweet 16 in 2024, but back-to-back first round lossesdidn't cut itat a school with much higher aspirations, as their spot on this list illustrates.

2. UConn (270 points)

• 5 Big East regular season championships

• 11 Sweet 16s

• 8 Final Fours

• 6 national titles

• 3 losing seasons

• 682-279 (.710)

Not even its six national titles could push UConn to the top of this list. Those three straight losing seasons (2017-19) were the anchor weighing the Huskies down. But also, a lack of conference titles cost them the top spot. If UConn wins this year's title, they'll take the crown.

1.Duke(284 points)

• 9 ACC regular season championships

• 20 Sweet 16s

• 7 Final Fours

• 3 national titles

• 0 losing seasons

• 792-181 (.814)

Hate them all you want, Duke has earned its place atop college basketball.TwentySweet 16s! Now, the Blue Devils haven't won a national title since 2015, but they've been ranked No. 1 in seven of the past 10 seasons. Perhaps there should have been more March success, but the sheer volume of wins (nearly 800) is second only to Gonzaga.

Is Indiana still a blue blood?

Nah, the Hoosiers have bled out. Indiana has five national titles and eight Final Fours. But the last title was in 1987 and the last Final Four was in 2002. The program has had more coaches (four) than NCAA Tournament appearances (three) over the past 10 years. But hey, at least the football team is good now.

New blood or blue blood: Ranking college basketball's best teams

Based on our formula, calculating team success since 1999 (explained above).

1. Duke – 284

2. UConn – 270

3. North Carolina – 251

4. Michigan State – 245

5. Kansas – 236

6. Gonzaga – 234

7. Florida – 192

8. Kentucky – 185

9. Villanova – 158

10. Arizona – 156

11. UCLA – 110

12. Wisconsin – 105

13. Syracuse – 89

14. Ohio State – 80

15. Xavier – 78

16. Louisville – 77

17. Maryland – 73

18. Purdue – 70

19. Michigan – 69

20. Butler – 69

21. Virginia – 67

22. Illinois – 65

23. Tennessee – 59

24. Houston – 56

25. Texas – 53

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Blue bloods or new bloods? Ranking college basketball's top programs

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

April 01, 2026

King of the Blue Bloods? How UConn can pass Duke this weekend

Who is and isn't a blue blood incollege basketballis often a heated debate. By definition a blue blood is a program w...

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Chiefs 7-round mock draft: Kansas City finds Trent McDuffie replacement

It's an offseason of change in Kansas City.

After their division-winning streak came to an end in 2025, theChiefsare loading up for another go at the Super Bowl in 2026. Major moves on offense and defense will see a much different Kansas City roster.

The Chiefssigned reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker IIIto give them more explosiveness at the running back position. WithPatrick Mahomessidelined while recovering from atorn ACL, the teamtraded for former first-round pick Justin Fieldsas another depth piece at quarterback.

On defense, starting cornerbacksJaylen WatsonandTrent McDuffieare both now with theLos Angeles Ramsvia free agency and trade, respectively.The McDuffie tradenetted Kansas City another first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Up front, defensive linemanKhyiris Tongacomes to the Chiefs from the defending AFC champion Patriots.

It's not all new faces as franchise iconTravis Kelce signed a one-year deal to return to Kansas Cityfor 2026.

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As the dust settles on the major moves of free agency, the team can look ahead to building out its roster in the 2026 NFL draft. Armed with multiple first-round picks, the Chiefs can make key picks to improve the future of the roster. Here's how the Chiefs' draft could look come April:

Kansas City Chiefsmock draft

Round 1, No. 9 overall: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

Bain may slip slightly in the top 10 due to arm length concerns but the Chiefs would be happy to get his power and production off the edge. Kansas City struggled to get home with sacks in 2025 and getting one of the most productive edge rushers in college football is an easy boost to the defensive front.

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More:Rueben Bain Jr. compares himself to Mike Tyson during Miami Pro Day

Round 1, No. 29 overall: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

McDuffie and Watson are gone and the Chiefs could always use more talent to develop at the position. Johnson is a great value here as a scheme-versatile outside cornerback with size and speed. He would contend withKristian FultonandNohl Williamsfor a starting role as a rookie and a building block for the future.

Round 2, No. 40 overall: TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

Kelce is back in Kansas City but the Chiefs have to be thinking about their future at the position. Stowers is one of the most explosive players in the 2026 class and put on a show at the NFL combine with his dynamic athleticism. He's a bit undersized at 235 pounds but could be a vertical threat from the position the Chiefs haven't had since Kelce's athletic prime. In time, he could grow into a tight end of the future for Mahomes.

Round 3, No. 74 overall: Edge Gabe Jacas, Illinois

One premium pick alone won't help the Chiefs' pass rush woes from 2025. Jacas is a big-bodied edge at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds who totaled 85 pressures and 20 sacks in his last two seasons at Illinois. There are some questions about his run defense but his high motor will earn him plenty of coverage sacks when possible.

Round 4, No. 109 overall: WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State

Hurst is one of the best small-school standouts in the class with size (6-foot-4, 206 pounds) and speed (4.42 40-yard dash) at outside receiver. The Chiefs haven't had a threat like him on the outside in years. He's shown the ability to shake press coverage well but may need time to get up to speed at the NFL level.

Round 5, No. 148 overall: LB Jimmy Rolder, Michigan

Leo Chenalis now in Washington, and the Chiefswould be well-served by finding at least a depth piece to make up for his departure. Rolder is inexperienced with just 11 career college starts, but he's shown a lot to like, especially in run defense. He's more of a specialist in that for now, without the coverage chops as a rookie.

Round 5, No. 169 overall: OT Keagan Trost, Missouri

Kansas City dealt with injuries on the offensive line, and bringing in an experienced swing tackle would help safeguard against that in the future. Trost played both right and left tackle at Missouri, most recently right. His length will make him a good fit for most any scheme. He's unlikely to contend for a starting role but he'd be a swing tackle

Round 5, No. 176 overall: S VJ Payne, Kansas State

Payne can do a little bit of everything at 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds. He played in the box, slot and free safety in 2025 alone. He's athletic enough to handle lots of assignments in coverage and Steve Spagnuolo could get creative deploying him throughout the defense. His run defense will need work.

Round 6, No. 210 overall: RB Kaelon Black, Indiana

Walker III is a dynamic outside threat at running back and 2025 draft pickBrashard Smithis a receiving specialist. Black could be a good fit alongside those two. The national champion offers great early-down usage with a low center of gravity and churns out yards after contact. He has great short-yardage value and is a willing pass blocker. His lack of receiving chops can be balanced out by Walker and Smith.

3. Arizona Cardinals – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 4. Tennessee Titans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 5. New York Giants – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 6. Cleveland Browns – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 7. Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 8. New Orleans Saints – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 12. Dallas Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 14. Las Vegas Raiders (from Baltimore Ravens) – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 17. Detroit Lions – Spencer Fano, OT/G, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 19. Carolina Panthers – Kadyn Proctor, OT/G, Alabama

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 22. Los Angeles Chargers – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 23. Philadelphia Eagles – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 25. Chicago Bears – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 26. Buffalo Bills – T.J. Parker, DE/OLB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 28. Houston Texans – Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams) – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 31. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 32. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NFL mock draft: Free agency, trades change first-round projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Chiefs 2026 NFL mock draft: Kansas City builds up defense, lands TE

byCristiano Ronaldo

in

April 01, 2026

Chiefs 7-round mock draft: Kansas City finds Trent McDuffie replacement

It's an offseason of change in Kansas City. After their division-winning streak came to an end in 2025, the...

Read More