As the calendar prepares to turn to 2026, college basketball conference games loom on the horizon. Some marquee games highlighted the non-conference roster and generated strong television ratings early in the men’s college basketball season.
Nielsen has now released its Top 10 Most Watched Teams of the Year, led by some of the most famous programs in sports. Rankings include data from CBS, The CW, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, USA, truTV and TNT – with Michigan State And Arkansas leading the charge.
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On3 tracks the most-watched men’s college basketball teams, according to Nielsen TV viewership data. Here is the complete Top 10 until December 22. Note: This story will be updated regularly throughout the 2025-26 season.
1. Michigan State
Until December 22, Michigan State is the most watched team in college basketball, according to Nielsen. The Spartans played several high-profile games to start the year, including one of the best games on Thanksgiving.
MSU’s victory over North Carolina averaged 6.499 million viewers on FOX, becoming the network’s number one. the most watched college basketball game on record after an introduction to the NFL. The Spartans’ only non-conference loss came Duke as they turn their attention to Big Ten play.
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2.Arkansas
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Amid a 9-3 record heading into the non-conference final, Arkansas has become one of the best teams in the SEC. The Razorbacks were also part of the crowded Thanksgiving roster, falling to Duke in the most watched game of the season to date.
Arkansas has two notable victories under its belt from non-conference play, including a thrilling win over Louisville. Freshman Darius Acuff led the charge with team highs in scoring and assists per game through the first two months of the year.
3. Duke
Led once again by a true freshman, Duke has been one of the best teams in the country this year. The Blue Devils are also the third most-watched team in college basketball through Dec. 22, according to Nielsen.
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Cameron Boozer is having a huge freshman campaign in Durham, leading the Blue Devils in four major categories: points, rebounds, assists and steals. Duke suffered its first loss of the season on December 20 against Texas Technology and prepare for the conference.
4. North Carolina
In an important year for the head coach Hubert Davis, North Carolina got off to a good start with a 12-1 record, losing only to Michigan State on Thanksgiving. The Tar Heels are also the fourth most-watched team in college basketball through Dec. 22, with a win over Ohio State in front of 1.5 million viewers on December 20 on CBS.
Freshman Caleb Wilson is becoming the focal point of UNC’s offense, leading the Tar Heels with 19.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. They will begin ACC play on December 30 against State of Florida.
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5.Kentucky
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Even if the start of the season was eventful for Kentuckythe Wildcats remained among the best through the first two months. UK is the fifth most-watched team in college basketball through Dec. 22 and enters SEC play with plenty of momentum.
Mark Pope The group has won four straight games to close out non-conference action, including victories against Indiana And Saint John. That put Kentucky at 9-4 heading into the SEC opener on Jan. 3 against Alabama.
6.Kansas
Although a first year student Darryn Peterson faced injuries, Kansas still started the 2025-26 season strong. The Jayhawks are 10-3 in January, including four straight wins.
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KU is also the sixth-most-watched college basketball team through Dec. 22, according to Nielsen, and is one of the top draws heading into the Big 12 portion of the schedule. The Jayhawks will get things going on January 3 against UCF.
7. Louisville
Louisville started the second year under Pat Kelsey burning with eight consecutive victories. This includes a winning rivalry Kentucky as the Cardinals take a 10-2 mark in conference play.
UL is also the seventh most-watched college basketball team this season through Dec. 22, according to Nielsen data. Guard Ryan Conwell leads the charge with 19.2 points per game while Mikel Brown Jr. is putting together a strong freshman campaign with 16.6 points and a team-high 5.1 assists per game.
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8. Indiana
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Indiana began a new era as Darian DeVries took over this season, and the Hoosiers started strong. They have won seven in a row and are the eighth most watched team in college basketball so far this year.
IU notably removed Marquette And Kansas State in non-conference play before going 1-1 in its first Big Ten matchups. Conference play is now in full swing for the Hoosiers, starting with a Jan. 4 game against Washington.
9. UConn
After an early elimination in last year’s NCAA tournament, UConn started quickly in 2025-2026. The Huskies are 12-1 and have two wins in the Big East as they become the ninth most-watched team in the country through Dec. 22.
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Won BYU, Illinois, Kansas and reigning national champion Florida highlight UConn’s resume entering January. The only loss came in a thriller against Arizona as Solo balloon and Co. had an impressive start to the year.
10. Purdue
Until December, Purdue has been one of the dominant teams in the country. The Boilermakers also round out the Top 10 most-watched teams in college basketball through December 22.
Purdue bolstered its resume with wins against Alabama, Texas Technology And Auburn as part of an 11-1 start. The only loss occurred Iowa Statebut the Boilermakers are still firing on all cylinders with a balanced attack entering Big Ten play.
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With conference play fast approaching, the college basketball season is in full swing. The road to the Final Four is about to begin as teams look for success in their respective conferences.
