Do you like watching football as much as you like watching basketball? In the NCAA world, it’s common for teams to have a strong football team or a strong basketball team. For example, the Duke Blue Devils have won three NCAA Division I basketball championships, though their football team is often less than stellar. Meanwhile, while Alabama’s football team has won 12 national championships, its basketball team is always under the radar.
However, some NCAA schools have excelled in both football and basketball. Here are some main examples:
1. Cincinnati Bears Bears
The Bearcats football team hasn’t just played in 10 bowl games; he has a 6-4 winning record in those bowls and has won the last three. Cincinnati has appeared twice in the Sun Bowl, twice in the Motor City Bowl, and most recently in the PapaJohns.com Bowl.
Meanwhile, the Bearcats basketball team has also achieved success. The team has appeared in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament 24 times. Those trips to the tournament included two national championships for the Cincinnati Bearcats (1961, 1962) and a championship game loss (1963).
2. Florida Gators
The Gators football team, after which the Gatorade sports drink is named, has won two national championships. During the 1996-1997 season, former Florida quarterback Steve Spurrier returned to coach his alma mater to a 12-1 season and a national championship. Florida defeated Florida State in the Sugar Bowl. Then, during the 2006-2007 season, the Gators won their second national championship, defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes, 41-14. In addition to its national championships, Florida has produced three Heisman Trophy winners:
Steve Spurrier (1966)
or Danny Wuerffel (1996)
Tim Tebow (2007)
The Florida Gators men’s basketball team has risen to prominence recently. In 2000, the team made its first NCAA championship appearance, although it lost to Michigan State, 89-76. However, the Gators would become champions in 2006, winning their first NCAA title. The Gators demolished UCLA, 73-57. Then in 2007, Florida defended its title by defeating Ohio State 84-75.
3. UCLA Bruins
Although best known for its basketball team, the Bruins’ football team has also achieved substantial success over the years. The Bruins’ greatest success occurred in 1954, when the team became national champions. UCLA has also won 17 conference titles. In 1967, the UCLA football team also produced a Heisman Trophy winner: Gary Beban.
Meanwhile, the UCLA Bruins basketball team has been spectacular. It has won 11 NCAA championships, more than any other team. Under renowned coach John Wooden, the Bruins won 10 titles in the span of 12 years! The team has also been undefeated for four years (1964, 1967, 1972, 1973). UCLA won its most recent NCAA championship in 1995. Since 2006, the team has also appeared in three consecutive Final Fours in the NCAA tournament.
While it’s commendable to excel in NCAA men’s basketball or football, it’s commendable to excel in both sports. Cheer your favorite NCAA team to victory in either or both sports!