Competing at the Highest Level: NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball

Last updated: May 2026. This NCAA Division I basketball colleges list is maintained to help players, parents, and coaches research D1 men’s basketball programs, conferences, locations, and recruiting options.

There are hundreds of NCAA Division I men’s basketball programs across the United States. This directory helps basketball players quickly research D1 colleges so they can build a realistic recruiting list and identify programs that may fit their academic, athletic, and geographic goals.

If you are looking for programs that may still have roster needs, view our guide to colleges still recruiting basketball players or check current college basketball openings.

Aspiring men’s basketball recruits aiming to compete at the NCAA Division I level should be prepared for one of the most challenging and competitive paths in college athletics. Division I basketball is where many of the nation’s top players compete, including elite high school recruits, junior college transfers, transfer portal athletes, and international prospects.

Securing a spot on a Division I roster is a major achievement. Coaches at this level are looking for players who can compete physically, handle pressure, perform academically, and contribute to a demanding team environment. For athletes with the talent, discipline, and work ethic to meet those expectations, Division I basketball can provide high-level competition, strong exposure, and valuable development opportunities.

What It Takes to Succeed at the Division I Level

Division I basketball requires a serious commitment on and off the court. Players must balance practices, strength training, team meetings, travel, academic responsibilities, and personal development. Talent matters, but so do discipline, toughness, coachability, and consistency.

Division I athletes often benefit from strong facilities, experienced coaching staffs, academic support, athletic training resources, and competitive schedules. Some programs also offer athletic scholarships, although scholarship availability can vary by school, roster situation, and program funding.

Playing at the Division I level can also bring major exposure. Programs may compete on national television, in conference tournaments, and in postseason events such as March Madness. For a small number of athletes, that exposure can lead to professional opportunities after college, but for most players, the biggest value comes from competing at a high level while earning a college education.

How Many Division I Men’s Basketball Programs Are There?

There are hundreds of NCAA Division I men’s basketball programs across the United States. These schools vary widely in size, conference, location, academic profile, athletic resources, and recruiting needs.

Division I programs compete across many conferences, including major conferences such as the ACC, Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, Big East, and others. Some D1 programs are national powerhouses, while others are smaller programs that may still provide strong opportunities for the right student-athlete.

When building a recruiting list, players should look beyond the name of the school. They should consider the roster, playing style, academic fit, location, scholarship situation, and whether the program may actually need their position.

Finding Division I Schools Recruiting Your Position

For aspiring Division I basketball players, one of the most important parts of the recruiting process is finding programs that may actually need their position. Every college basketball team has different roster needs based on graduation, transfers, injuries, scholarship availability, coaching changes, playing style, and recruiting priorities.

Instead of contacting every Division I program, players should focus on schools where their position, class, academic profile, and playing style may fit a current need.

A player should ask:

✅ Does this program need my position?
✅ Are they graduating players at my spot?
✅ Did they lose players to the transfer portal?
✅ Do they recruit players with my size and skill set?
✅ Does my academic profile fit the school?
✅ Would I realistically compete for a roster spot there?

This approach saves time and helps players build a more realistic recruiting list.

Maximizing Visibility at Your Position

To stand out to programs recruiting your position, your film and recruiting profile should make your role clear.

For example:

✅ Guards should highlight ball-handling, shooting, decision-making, defense, pace, and ability to run a team.
✅ Wings should show shooting, athleticism, defensive versatility, rebounding, transition play, and ability to guard multiple positions.
✅ Forwards should show rebounding, finishing, physicality, mid-range skill, defensive ability, and versatility.
✅ Centers should show rim protection, rebounding, post scoring, screening, finishing, mobility, and defensive presence.

Your highlight film should match the type of role you want coaches to see. If a program needs a shooter, show shooting. If a program needs size, show rebounding, defense, and finishing. If a program needs a point guard, show decision-making and leadership.

Players should also keep their recruiting profile updated with height, position, class, GPA, stats, film, full game video if available, contact information, and coach references.

Keeping Up With College Basketball Openings and Recruiting Trends

Division I recruiting can change quickly. A program may look full one month and suddenly need another player after a transfer, injury, academic issue, or roster change.

That is why players and families should keep track of recruiting trends and current basketball openings. Transfer portal movement, late decommitments, coaching changes, and scholarship changes can all create new opportunities.

Showcases, elite camps, and live period events can also help players gain exposure, but players should still be strategic. The goal is not just to be seen by any coach. The goal is to get in front of coaches at programs where your position and level may be a real fit.

Before contacting a Division I program, players should make sure they have strong film, accurate academic information, and a clear reason why they are reaching out.

Complete NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Colleges List

Use the list below to research NCAA Division I men’s basketball programs by school, location, conference, public/private status, and level. As you review the list, remember that not every D1 school will be the right fit for every player. The best recruiting list should include programs that match your athletic ability, academic profile, position, location preferences, and realistic opportunity level.

Abilene Christian University – Abilene, Texas – Private – Western Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Alabama A&M University – Normal, Alabama – Public – Southwestern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Alabama State University – Montgomery, Alabama – Public – Southwestern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Alcorn State University – Alcorn, Mississippi – Public – Southwestern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
American University – Washington, District of Columbia – Private – Patriot League – NCAA D1
Appalachian State University – Boone, North Carolina – Public – Sun Belt Conference – NCAA D1
Arizona State University – Tempe, Arizona – Public – Big 12 Conference – NCAA D1
Arkansas State University – Jonesboro, Arkansas – Public – Sun Belt Conference – NCAA D1
Auburn University – Auburn, Alabama – Public – Southeastern Conference – NCAA D1
Austin Peay State University – Clarksville, Tennessee – Public – ASUN Conference – NCAA D1
Ball State University – Muncie, Indiana – Public – Mid-American Conference – NCAA D1
Baylor University – Waco, Texas – Private – Big 12 Conference – NCAA D1
Bellarmine University – Louisville, Kentucky – Private – ASUN Conference – NCAA D1
Belmont University – Nashville, Tennessee – Private – Missouri Valley Conference – NCAA D1
Bethune-Cookman University – Daytona Beach, Florida – Private – Southwestern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Binghamton University – Vestal, New York – Public – America East Conference – NCAA D1
Boise State University – Boise, Idaho – Public – Mountain West Conference – NCAA D1
Boston College – Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts – Private – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Boston University – Boston, Massachusetts – Private – Patriot League – NCAA D1
Bowling Green State University – Bowling Green, Ohio – Public – Mid-American Conference – NCAA D1
Bradley University – Peoria, Illinois – Private – Missouri Valley Conference – NCAA D1
Brigham Young University – Provo, Utah – Private – Big 12 Conference – NCAA D1
Brown University – Providence, Rhode Island – Private – Ivy League – NCAA D1
Bryant University – Smithfield, Rhode Island – Private – America East Conference – NCAA D1
Bucknell University – Lewisburg, Pennsylvania – Private – Patriot League – NCAA D1
Butler University – Indianapolis, Indiana – Private – Big East Conference – NCAA D1
California Baptist University – Riverside, California – Private – Western Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo – San Luis Obispo, California – Public – Big West Conference – NCAA D1
California State University, Bakersfield – Bakersfield, California – Public – Big West Conference – NCAA D1
California State University, Fresno – Fresno, California – Public – Mountain West Conference – NCAA D1
California State University, Fullerton – Fullerton, California – Public – Big West Conference – NCAA D1
California State University, Long Beach – Long Beach, California – Public – Big West Conference – NCAA D1
California State University, Northridge – Northridge, California – Public – Big West Conference – NCAA D1
California State University, Sacramento – Sacramento, California – Public – Big Sky Conference – NCAA D1
Campbell University – Buies Creek, North Carolina – Private – Coastal Athletic Association – NCAA D1
Canisius University – Buffalo, New York – Private – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Central Connecticut State University – New Britain, Connecticut – Public – Northeast Conference – NCAA D1
Central Michigan University – Mount Pleasant, Michigan – Public – Mid-American Conference – NCAA D1
Charleston Southern University – Charleston, South Carolina – Private – Big South Conference – NCAA D1
Chicago State University – Chicago, Illinois – Public – Northeast Conference – NCAA D1
Clemson University – Clemson, South Carolina – Public – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Cleveland State University – Cleveland, Ohio – Public – Horizon League – NCAA D1
Coastal Carolina University – Conway, South Carolina – Public – Sun Belt Conference – NCAA D1
Colgate University – Hamilton, New York – Private – Patriot League – NCAA D1
College of Charleston – Charleston, South Carolina – Public – Coastal Athletic Association – NCAA D1
College of the Holy Cross – Worcester, Massachusetts – Private – Patriot League – NCAA D1
Colorado State University – Fort Collins, Colorado – Public – Mountain West Conference – NCAA D1
Columbia University – New York, New York – Private – Ivy League – NCAA D1
Coppin State University – Baltimore, Maryland – Public – Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Cornell University – Ithaca, New York – Private – Ivy League – NCAA D1
Creighton University – Omaha, Nebraska – Private – Big East Conference – NCAA D1
Dartmouth College – Hanover, New Hampshire – Private – Ivy League – NCAA D1
Davidson College – Davidson, North Carolina – Private – Atlantic 10 Conference – NCAA D1
Delaware State University – Dover, Delaware – Public – Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
DePaul University – Chicago, Illinois – Private – Big East Conference – NCAA D1
Drake University – Des Moines, Iowa – Private – Missouri Valley Conference – NCAA D1
Drexel University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Private – Coastal Athletic Association – NCAA D1
Duke University – Durham, North Carolina – Private – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Duquesne University – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Private – Atlantic 10 Conference – NCAA D1
East Carolina University – Greenville, North Carolina – Public – American Conference – NCAA D1
East Tennessee State University – Johnson City, Tennessee – Public – Southern Conference – NCAA D1
Eastern Illinois University – Charleston, Illinois – Public – Ohio Valley Conference – NCAA D1
Eastern Kentucky University – Richmond, Kentucky – Public – ASUN Conference – NCAA D1
Eastern Michigan University – Ypsilanti, Michigan – Public – Mid-American Conference – NCAA D1
Eastern Washington University – Cheney, Washington – Public – Big Sky Conference – NCAA D1
Elon University – Elon, North Carolina – Private – Coastal Athletic Association – NCAA D1
Fairfield University – Fairfield, Connecticut – Private – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Fairleigh Dickinson University – Teaneck, New Jersey – Private – Northeast Conference – NCAA D1
Florida A&M University – Tallahassee, Florida – Public – Southwestern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Florida Atlantic University – Boca Raton, Florida – Public – American Conference – NCAA D1
Florida Gulf Coast University – Fort Myers, Florida – Public – ASUN Conference – NCAA D1
Florida International University – Miami, Florida – Public – Conference USA – NCAA D1
Florida State University – Tallahassee, Florida – Public – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Fordham University – Bronx, New York – Private – Atlantic 10 Conference – NCAA D1
Furman University – Greenville, South Carolina – Private – Southern Conference – NCAA D1
Gardner-Webb University – Boiling Springs, North Carolina – Private – Big South Conference – NCAA D1
George Mason University – Fairfax, Virginia – Public – Atlantic 10 Conference – NCAA D1
George Washington University – Washington, District of Columbia – Private – Atlantic 10 Conference – NCAA D1
Georgetown University – Washington, District of Columbia – Private – Big East Conference – NCAA D1
Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta, Georgia – Public – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Georgia Southern University – Statesboro, Georgia – Public – Sun Belt Conference – NCAA D1
Georgia State University – Atlanta, Georgia – Public – Sun Belt Conference – NCAA D1
Gonzaga University – Spokane, Washington – Private – West Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Grambling State University – Grambling, Louisiana – Public – Southwestern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Grand Canyon University – Phoenix, Arizona – Private – Mountain West Conference – NCAA D1
Hampton University – Hampton, Virginia – Private – Coastal Athletic Association – NCAA D1
Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts – Private – Ivy League – NCAA D1
High Point University – High Point, North Carolina – Private – Big South Conference – NCAA D1
Hofstra University – Hempstead, New York – Private – Coastal Athletic Association – NCAA D1
Houston Christian University – Houston, Texas – Private – Southland Conference – NCAA D1
Howard University – Washington, District of Columbia – Private – Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Idaho State University – Pocatello, Idaho – Public – Big Sky Conference – NCAA D1
Illinois State University – Normal, Illinois – Public – Missouri Valley Conference – NCAA D1
Indiana State University – Terre Haute, Indiana – Public – Missouri Valley Conference – NCAA D1
Indiana University – Bloomington, Indiana – Public – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
Iona University – New Rochelle, New York – Private – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Iowa State University – Ames, Iowa – Public – Big 12 Conference – NCAA D1
IU Indianapolis – Indianapolis, Indiana – Public – Horizon League – NCAA D1
Jackson State University – Jackson, Mississippi – Public – Southwestern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Jacksonville State University – Jacksonville, Alabama – Public – Conference USA – NCAA D1
Jacksonville University – Jacksonville, Florida – Private – ASUN Conference – NCAA D1
James Madison University – Harrisonburg, Virginia – Public – Sun Belt Conference – NCAA D1
Kansas State University – Manhattan, Kansas – Public – Big 12 Conference – NCAA D1
Kennesaw State University – Kennesaw, Georgia – Public – Conference USA – NCAA D1
Kent State University – Kent, Ohio – Public – Mid-American Conference – NCAA D1
La Salle University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Private – Atlantic 10 Conference – NCAA D1
Lafayette College – Easton, Pennsylvania – Private – Patriot League – NCAA D1
Lamar University – Beaumont, Texas – Public – Southland Conference – NCAA D1
Le Moyne College – Syracuse, New York – Private – Northeast Conference – NCAA D1
Lehigh University – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania – Private – Patriot League – NCAA D1
Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia – Private – Conference USA – NCAA D1
Lindenwood University – Saint Charles, Missouri – Private – Ohio Valley Conference – NCAA D1
Lipscomb University – Nashville, Tennessee – Private – ASUN Conference – NCAA D1
Long Island University – Brooklyn, New York – Private – Northeast Conference – NCAA D1
Longwood University – Farmville, Virginia – Public – Big South Conference – NCAA D1
Louisiana State University – Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Public – Southeastern Conference – NCAA D1
Louisiana Tech University – Ruston, Louisiana – Public – Conference USA – NCAA D1
Loyola Marymount University – Los Angeles, California – Private – West Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Loyola University Chicago – Chicago, Illinois – Private – Atlantic 10 Conference – NCAA D1
Loyola University Maryland – Baltimore, Maryland – Private – Patriot League – NCAA D1
Manhattan College – Riverdale, New York – Private – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Marist College – Poughkeepsie, New York – Private – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Marquette University – Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Private – Big East Conference – NCAA D1
Marshall University – Huntington, West Virginia – Public – Sun Belt Conference – NCAA D1
McNeese State University – Lake Charles, Louisiana – Public – Southland Conference – NCAA D1
Mercer University – Macon, Georgia – Private – Southern Conference – NCAA D1
Mercyhurst University – Erie, Pennsylvania – Private – Northeast Conference – NCAA D1
Merrimack College – North Andover, Massachusetts – Private – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Miami University – Oxford, Ohio – Public – Mid-American Conference – NCAA D1
Michigan State University – East Lansing, Michigan – Public – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
Middle Tennessee State University – Murfreesboro, Tennessee – Public – Conference USA – NCAA D1
Mississippi State University – Starkville, Mississippi – Public – Southeastern Conference – NCAA D1
Mississippi Valley State University – Itta Bena, Mississippi – Public – Southwestern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Missouri State University – Springfield, Missouri – Public – Conference USA – NCAA D1
Monmouth University – West Long Branch, New Jersey – Private – Coastal Athletic Association – NCAA D1
Montana State University – Bozeman, Montana – Public – Big Sky Conference – NCAA D1
Morehead State University – Morehead, Kentucky – Public – Ohio Valley Conference – NCAA D1
Morgan State University – Baltimore, Maryland – Public – Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Mount St. Mary’s University – Emmitsburg, Maryland – Private – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Murray State University – Murray, Kentucky – Public – Missouri Valley Conference – NCAA D1
New Jersey Institute of Technology – Newark, New Jersey – Public – America East Conference – NCAA D1
New Mexico State University – Las Cruces, New Mexico – Public – Conference USA – NCAA D1
Niagara University – Niagara University, New York – Private – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Nicholls State University – Thibodaux, Louisiana – Public – Southland Conference – NCAA D1
Norfolk State University – Norfolk, Virginia – Public – Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
North Carolina A&T State University – Greensboro, North Carolina – Public – Coastal Athletic Association – NCAA D1
North Carolina Central University – Durham, North Carolina – Public – Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
North Carolina State University – Raleigh, North Carolina – Public – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
North Dakota State University – Fargo, North Dakota – Public – Summit League – NCAA D1
Northeastern University – Boston, Massachusetts – Private – Coastal Athletic Association – NCAA D1
Northern Arizona University – Flagstaff, Arizona – Public – Big Sky Conference – NCAA D1
Northern Illinois University – DeKalb, Illinois – Public – Mid-American Conference – NCAA D1
Northern Kentucky University – Highland Heights, Kentucky – Public – Horizon League – NCAA D1
Northwestern State University of Louisiana – Natchitoches, Louisiana – Public – Southland Conference – NCAA D1
Northwestern University – Evanston, Illinois – Private – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
Oakland University – Rochester, Michigan – Public – Horizon League – NCAA D1
Ohio State University – Columbus, Ohio – Public – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
Ohio University – Athens, Ohio – Public – Mid-American Conference – NCAA D1
Oklahoma State University – Stillwater, Oklahoma – Public – Big 12 Conference – NCAA D1
Old Dominion University – Norfolk, Virginia – Public – Sun Belt Conference – NCAA D1
Oral Roberts University – Tulsa, Oklahoma – Private – Summit League – NCAA D1
Oregon State University – Corvallis, Oregon – Public – West Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Penn State – University Park, Pennsylvania – Public – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
Pepperdine University – Malibu, California – Private – West Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Portland State University – Portland, Oregon – Public – Big Sky Conference – NCAA D1
Prairie View A&M University – Prairie View, Texas – Public – Southwestern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Presbyterian College – Clinton, South Carolina – Private – Big South Conference – NCAA D1
Princeton University – Princeton, New Jersey – Private – Ivy League – NCAA D1
Providence College – Providence, Rhode Island – Private – Big East Conference – NCAA D1
Purdue University – West Lafayette, Indiana – Public – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
Purdue University Fort Wayne – Fort Wayne, Indiana – Public – Horizon League – NCAA D1
Queens University of Charlotte – Charlotte, North Carolina – Private – ASUN Conference – NCAA D1
Quinnipiac University – Hamden, Connecticut – Private – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Radford University – Radford, Virginia – Public – Big South Conference – NCAA D1
Rice University – Houston, Texas – Private – American Conference – NCAA D1
Rider University – Lawrenceville, New Jersey – Private – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Robert Morris University – Moon Township, Pennsylvania – Private – Horizon League – NCAA D1
Rutgers University – Piscataway, New Jersey – Public – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
Sacred Heart University – Fairfield, Connecticut – Private – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Saint Francis University – Loretto, Pennsylvania – Private – Northeast Conference – NCAA D1
Saint Joseph’s University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Private – Atlantic 10 Conference – NCAA D1
Saint Louis University – St. Louis, Missouri – Private – Atlantic 10 Conference – NCAA D1
Saint Mary’s College of California – Moraga, California – Private – West Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Saint Peter’s University – Jersey City, New Jersey – Private – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Sam Houston State University – Huntsville, Texas – Public – Conference USA – NCAA D1
Samford University – Birmingham, Alabama – Private – Southern Conference – NCAA D1
San Diego State University – San Diego, California – Public – Mountain West Conference – NCAA D1
San Jose State University – San Jose, California – Public – Mountain West Conference – NCAA D1
Santa Clara University – Santa Clara, California – Private – West Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Seattle University – Seattle, Washington – Private – West Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Seton Hall University – South Orange, New Jersey – Private – Big East Conference – NCAA D1
Siena College – Loudonville, New York – Private – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
South Carolina State University – Orangeburg, South Carolina – Public – Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
South Dakota State University – Brookings, South Dakota – Public – Summit League – NCAA D1
Southeast Missouri State University – Cape Girardeau, Missouri – Public – Ohio Valley Conference – NCAA D1
Southeastern Louisiana University – Hammond, Louisiana – Public – Southland Conference – NCAA D1
Southern Illinois University Carbondale – Carbondale, Illinois – Public – Missouri Valley Conference – NCAA D1
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville – Edwardsville, Illinois – Public – Ohio Valley Conference – NCAA D1
Southern Indiana University – Evansville, Indiana – Public – Ohio Valley Conference – NCAA D1
Southern Methodist University – Dallas, Texas – Private – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Southern University and A&M College – Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Public – Southwestern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Southern Utah University – Cedar City, Utah – Public – Western Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
St. Bonaventure University – Saint Bonaventure, New York – Private – Atlantic 10 Conference – NCAA D1
St. John’s University – Queens, New York – Private – Big East Conference – NCAA D1
Stanford University – Stanford, California – Private – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Stephen F. Austin State University – Nacogdoches, Texas – Public – Southland Conference – NCAA D1
Stetson University – DeLand, Florida – Private – ASUN Conference – NCAA D1
Stonehill College – Easton, Massachusetts – Private – Northeast Conference – NCAA D1
SUNY University at Albany – Albany, New York – Public – America East Conference – NCAA D1
SUNY University at Buffalo – Buffalo, New York – Public – Mid-American Conference – NCAA D1
SUNY Stony Brook University – Stony Brook, New York – Public – Coastal Athletic Association – NCAA D1
Syracuse University – Syracuse, New York – Private – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Tarleton State University – Stephenville, Texas – Public – Western Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Temple University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Public – American Conference – NCAA D1
Tennessee State University – Nashville, Tennessee – Public – Ohio Valley Conference – NCAA D1
Tennessee Technological University – Cookeville, Tennessee – Public – Ohio Valley Conference – NCAA D1
Texas A&M University – College Station, Texas – Public – Southeastern Conference – NCAA D1
Texas A&M University–Commerce – Commerce, Texas – Public – Southland Conference – NCAA D1
Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi – Corpus Christi, Texas – Public – Southland Conference – NCAA D1
Texas Christian University – Fort Worth, Texas – Private – Big 12 Conference – NCAA D1
Texas Southern University – Houston, Texas – Public – Southwestern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Texas State University – San Marcos, Texas – Public – Sun Belt Conference – NCAA D1
Texas Tech University – Lubbock, Texas – Public – Big 12 Conference – NCAA D1
The Citadel – Charleston, South Carolina – Public – Southern Conference – NCAA D1
Towson University – Towson, Maryland – Public – Coastal Athletic Association – NCAA D1
Troy University – Troy, Alabama – Public – Sun Belt Conference – NCAA D1
Tulane University – New Orleans, Louisiana – Private – American Conference – NCAA D1
United States Air Force Academy – Colorado Springs, Colorado – Public – Mountain West Conference – NCAA D1
United States Military Academy – West Point, New York – Public – Patriot League – NCAA D1
United States Naval Academy – Annapolis, Maryland – Public – Patriot League – NCAA D1
University of Akron – Akron, Ohio – Public – Mid-American Conference – NCAA D1
University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, Alabama – Public – Southeastern Conference – NCAA D1
University of Alabama at Birmingham – Birmingham, Alabama – Public – American Conference – NCAA D1
University of Arizona – Tucson, Arizona – Public – Big 12 Conference – NCAA D1
University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, Arkansas – Public – Southeastern Conference – NCAA D1
University of Arkansas at Little Rock – Little Rock, Arkansas – Public – Ohio Valley Conference – NCAA D1
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff – Pine Bluff, Arkansas – Public – Southwestern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
University of California, Berkeley – Berkeley, California – Public – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
University of California, Davis – Davis, California – Public – Big West Conference – NCAA D1
University of California, Irvine – Irvine, California – Public – Big West Conference – NCAA D1
University of California, Los Angeles – Los Angeles, California – Public – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
University of California, Riverside – Riverside, California – Public – Big West Conference – NCAA D1
University of California, San Diego – La Jolla, California – Public – Big West Conference – NCAA D1
University of California, Santa Barbara – Santa Barbara, California – Public – Big West Conference – NCAA D1
University of Central Arkansas – Conway, Arkansas – Public – ASUN Conference – NCAA D1
University of Central Florida – Orlando, Florida – Public – Big 12 Conference – NCAA D1
University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, Ohio – Public – Big 12 Conference – NCAA D1
University of Colorado Boulder – Boulder, Colorado – Public – Big 12 Conference – NCAA D1
University of Connecticut – Storrs, Connecticut – Public – Big East Conference – NCAA D1
University of Dayton – Dayton, Ohio – Private – Atlantic 10 Conference – NCAA D1
University of Delaware – Newark, Delaware – Public – Conference USA – NCAA D1
University of Denver – Denver, Colorado – Private – Summit League – NCAA D1
University of Detroit Mercy – Detroit, Michigan – Private – Horizon League – NCAA D1
University of Evansville – Evansville, Indiana – Private – Missouri Valley Conference – NCAA D1
University of Florida – Gainesville, Florida – Public – Southeastern Conference – NCAA D1
University of Georgia – Athens, Georgia – Public – Southeastern Conference – NCAA D1
University of Hawaii at Manoa – Honolulu, Hawaii – Public – Big West Conference – NCAA D1
University of Houston – Houston, Texas – Public – Big 12 Conference – NCAA D1
University of Idaho – Moscow, Idaho – Public – Big Sky Conference – NCAA D1
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Champaign, Illinois – Public – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
University of Illinois Chicago – Chicago, Illinois – Public – Missouri Valley Conference – NCAA D1
University of Iowa – Iowa City, Iowa – Public – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
University of Kansas – Lawrence, Kansas – Public – Big 12 Conference – NCAA D1
University of Kentucky – Lexington, Kentucky – Public – Southeastern Conference – NCAA D1
University of Louisiana at Lafayette – Lafayette, Louisiana – Public – Sun Belt Conference – NCAA D1
University of Louisiana Monroe – Monroe, Louisiana – Public – Sun Belt Conference – NCAA D1
University of Louisville – Louisville, Kentucky – Public – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
University of Maine – Orono, Maine – Public – America East Conference – NCAA D1
University of Maryland, Baltimore County – Baltimore, Maryland – Public – America East Conference – NCAA D1
University of Maryland Eastern Shore – Princess Anne, Maryland – Public – Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
University of Maryland, College Park – College Park, Maryland – Public – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
University of Massachusetts Amherst – Amherst, Massachusetts – Public – Mid-American Conference – NCAA D1
University of Massachusetts Lowell – Lowell, Massachusetts – Public – America East Conference – NCAA D1
University of Memphis – Memphis, Tennessee – Public – American Conference – NCAA D1
University of Miami – Coral Gables, Florida – Private – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan – Public – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, Minnesota – Public – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
University of Mississippi – University, Mississippi – Public – Southeastern Conference – NCAA D1
University of Missouri – Columbia, Missouri – Public – Southeastern Conference – NCAA D1
University of Missouri–Kansas City – Kansas City, Missouri – Public – Summit League – NCAA D1
University of Montana – Missoula, Montana – Public – Big Sky Conference – NCAA D1
University of Nebraska–Lincoln – Lincoln, Nebraska – Public – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
University of Nebraska Omaha – Omaha, Nebraska – Public – Summit League – NCAA D1
University of Nevada, Las Vegas – Las Vegas, Nevada – Public – Mountain West Conference – NCAA D1
University of Nevada, Reno – Reno, Nevada – Public – Mountain West Conference – NCAA D1
University of New Hampshire – Durham, New Hampshire – Public – America East Conference – NCAA D1
University of New Haven – West Haven, Connecticut – Private – Northeast Conference – NCAA D1
University of New Mexico – Albuquerque, New Mexico – Public – Mountain West Conference – NCAA D1
University of New Orleans – New Orleans, Louisiana – Public – Southland Conference – NCAA D1
University of North Alabama – Florence, Alabama – Public – ASUN Conference – NCAA D1
University of North Carolina Asheville – Asheville, North Carolina – Public – Big South Conference – NCAA D1
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Public – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Charlotte, North Carolina – Public – American Conference – NCAA D1
University of North Carolina at Greensboro – Greensboro, North Carolina – Public – Southern Conference – NCAA D1
University of North Carolina Wilmington – Wilmington, North Carolina – Public – Coastal Athletic Association – NCAA D1
University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, North Dakota – Public – Summit League – NCAA D1
University of North Florida – Jacksonville, Florida – Public – ASUN Conference – NCAA D1
University of North Texas – Denton, Texas – Public – American Conference – NCAA D1
University of Northern Colorado – Greeley, Colorado – Public – Big Sky Conference – NCAA D1
University of Northern Iowa – Cedar Falls, Iowa – Public – Missouri Valley Conference – NCAA D1
University of Notre Dame – Notre Dame, Indiana – Private – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
University of Oklahoma – Norman, Oklahoma – Public – Southeastern Conference – NCAA D1
University of Oregon – Eugene, Oregon – Public – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Private – Ivy League – NCAA D1
University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Public – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
University of Portland – Portland, Oregon – Private – West Coast Conference – NCAA D1
University of Rhode Island – Kingston, Rhode Island – Public – Atlantic 10 Conference – NCAA D1
University of Richmond – Richmond, Virginia – Private – Atlantic 10 Conference – NCAA D1
University of San Diego – San Diego, California – Private – West Coast Conference – NCAA D1
University of San Francisco – San Francisco, California – Private – West Coast Conference – NCAA D1
University of South Alabama – Mobile, Alabama – Public – Sun Belt Conference – NCAA D1
University of South Carolina – Columbia, South Carolina – Public – Southeastern Conference – NCAA D1
University of South Carolina Upstate – Spartanburg, South Carolina – Public – Big South Conference – NCAA D1
University of South Dakota – Vermillion, South Dakota – Public – Summit League – NCAA D1
University of South Florida – Tampa, Florida – Public – American Conference – NCAA D1
University of Southern California – Los Angeles, California – Private – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
University of Southern Indiana – Evansville, Indiana – Public – Ohio Valley Conference – NCAA D1
University of Southern Mississippi – Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Public – Sun Belt Conference – NCAA D1
University of St. Thomas – Saint Paul, Minnesota – Private – Summit League – NCAA D1
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga – Chattanooga, Tennessee – Public – Southern Conference – NCAA D1
University of Tennessee at Martin – Martin, Tennessee – Public – Ohio Valley Conference – NCAA D1
University of Tennessee, Knoxville – Knoxville, Tennessee – Public – Southeastern Conference – NCAA D1
University of Texas at Arlington – Arlington, Texas – Public – Western Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
University of Texas at Austin – Austin, Texas – Public – Southeastern Conference – NCAA D1
University of Texas at El Paso – El Paso, Texas – Public – Conference USA – NCAA D1
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – Edinburg, Texas – Public – Southland Conference – NCAA D1
University of Texas at San Antonio – San Antonio, Texas – Public – American Conference – NCAA D1
University of the Incarnate Word – San Antonio, Texas – Private – Southland Conference – NCAA D1
University of the Pacific – Stockton, California – Private – West Coast Conference – NCAA D1
University of Toledo – Toledo, Ohio – Public – Mid-American Conference – NCAA D1
University of Tulsa – Tulsa, Oklahoma – Private – American Conference – NCAA D1
University of Utah – Salt Lake City, Utah – Public – Big 12 Conference – NCAA D1
University of Vermont – Burlington, Vermont – Public – America East Conference – NCAA D1
University of Virginia – Charlottesville, Virginia – Public – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
University of Washington – Seattle, Washington – Public – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
University of West Georgia – Carrollton, Georgia – Public – ASUN Conference – NCAA D1
University of Wisconsin–Green Bay – Green Bay, Wisconsin – Public – Horizon League – NCAA D1
University of Wisconsin–Madison – Madison, Wisconsin – Public – Big Ten Conference – NCAA D1
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee – Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Public – Horizon League – NCAA D1
University of Wyoming – Laramie, Wyoming – Public – Mountain West Conference – NCAA D1
Utah State University – Logan, Utah – Public – Mountain West Conference – NCAA D1
Utah Tech University – Saint George, Utah – Public – Western Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Utah Valley University – Orem, Utah – Public – Western Athletic Conference – NCAA D1
Valparaiso University – Valparaiso, Indiana – Private – Missouri Valley Conference – NCAA D1
Vanderbilt University – Nashville, Tennessee – Private – Southeastern Conference – NCAA D1
Villanova University – Villanova, Pennsylvania – Private – Big East Conference – NCAA D1
Virginia Commonwealth University – Richmond, Virginia – Public – Atlantic 10 Conference – NCAA D1
Virginia Military Institute – Lexington, Virginia – Public – Southern Conference – NCAA D1
Virginia Tech – Blacksburg, Virginia – Public – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Wagner College – Staten Island, New York – Private – Northeast Conference – NCAA D1
Wake Forest University – Winston-Salem, North Carolina – Private – Atlantic Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Washington State University – Pullman, Washington – Public – West Coast Conference – NCAA D1
Weber State University – Ogden, Utah – Public – Big Sky Conference – NCAA D1
West Virginia University – Morgantown, West Virginia – Public – Big 12 Conference – NCAA D1
Western Carolina University – Cullowhee, North Carolina – Public – Southern Conference – NCAA D1
Western Illinois University – Macomb, Illinois – Public – Ohio Valley Conference – NCAA D1
Western Kentucky University – Bowling Green, Kentucky – Public – Conference USA – NCAA D1
Western Michigan University – Kalamazoo, Michigan – Public – Mid-American Conference – NCAA D1
Wichita State University – Wichita, Kansas – Public – American Conference – NCAA D1
William & Mary – Williamsburg, Virginia – Public – Coastal Athletic Association – NCAA D1
Winthrop University – Rock Hill, South Carolina – Public – Big South Conference – NCAA D1
Wofford College – Spartanburg, South Carolina – Private – Southern Conference – NCAA D1
Wright State University – Dayton, Ohio – Public – Horizon League – NCAA D1
Xavier University – Cincinnati, Ohio – Private – Big East Conference – NCAA D1
Yale University – New Haven, Connecticut – Private – Ivy League – NCAA D1
Youngstown State University – Youngstown, Ohio – Public – Horizon League – NCAA D1
.

Finding the Right College Basketball Fit

Finding the right college basketball program is not only about division level. A player may want D1, but the best opportunity is the school where they can develop, compete, earn a role, and succeed academically.

When researching programs, players should consider:

✅ Does the team need my position?
✅ Do I match the program’s playing style?
✅ Is my academic profile strong enough for the school?
✅ Would I be comfortable with the location and campus?
✅ Does the school offer my major or academic interests?
✅ What is the scholarship, financial aid, or total cost situation?
✅ Is there a realistic path to playing time?

A strong recruiting list should include dream schools, realistic target schools, and backup options across multiple levels. That approach gives players more chances to find a program that truly fits.

A Brief History of NCAA Division I Basketball

NCAA Division I men’s basketball has a long history built around elite competition, legendary programs, iconic coaches, and the national tournament known as March Madness.

College basketball grew in popularity during the early and mid-1900s as programs such as Kentucky, Kansas, Indiana, North Carolina, UCLA, and others helped shape the sport. Over time, the NCAA tournament became one of the biggest events in American sports, giving both powerhouse programs and smaller schools a national stage.

Division I basketball has also changed significantly over the years. Recruiting has expanded nationally and internationally. Junior college transfers, transfer portal players, and international prospects now play a major role in roster building. NIL opportunities, scholarship changes, and transfer rules have also changed how programs recruit and how players choose schools.

For today’s recruits, understanding D1 basketball means understanding both tradition and opportunity. The level is highly competitive, but roster needs still change every year, and the right fit can matter more than the name on the jersey.

How Many NCAA Division I Schools Are There?

There are more than 350 NCAA Division I schools across the United States. These programs compete at the highest level of NCAA athletics, but they vary widely in size, location, budget, conference, academic profile, and basketball tradition.

Some Division I schools are national powerhouse programs with major media exposure, large arenas, and deep recruiting pipelines. Others are smaller D1 programs that may offer strong academic opportunities, competitive basketball, and a better overall fit for certain players.

For recruits, the key is not just knowing how many D1 schools exist. The key is building a smart list of programs that match your position, academic profile, playing style, and realistic opportunity level.

Division I Men’s Basketball Conferences and Teams

NCAA Division I men’s basketball programs compete in conferences. A conference is a group of schools that play each other during the regular season and usually compete in a conference tournament at the end of the year.

Some conferences are known for national powerhouse programs, while others include smaller D1 schools that may still offer strong basketball opportunities. Examples of major Division I conferences include the ACC, Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, Big East, Atlantic 10, Mountain West, American Athletic Conference, and others.

When researching D1 schools, players should look at more than the conference name. They should also study:

✅ Team roster
✅ Returning players
✅ Graduating seniors
✅ Transfer portal movement
✅ Coaching staff
✅ Playing style
✅ Academic fit
✅ Location
✅ Scholarship situation
✅ Position needs

A school’s conference can help show the competition level, but roster fit and coach interest matter more in the recruiting process.

March Madness and the NCAA Tournament

March Madness is the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament. It is one of the biggest events in college sports and gives teams from across the country a chance to compete for a national championship.

The tournament includes automatic qualifiers from conference tournaments and at-large teams selected by the NCAA selection committee. Once the bracket is set, teams compete in a single-elimination format, meaning one loss ends the season.

For players, March Madness is one of the biggest reasons Division I basketball gets so much national attention. A strong tournament run can bring major exposure to a program and its athletes.

However, recruits should remember that only a small percentage of Division I teams make deep tournament runs. When choosing schools, players should look beyond March Madness visibility and focus on roster fit, coaching style, academic fit, development, and realistic opportunity.

Iconic Arenas and Game-Day Environments in Division I Basketball

Division I basketball is known for passionate crowds, historic arenas, and intense game-day environments. Some programs play in famous venues with national recognition, while others compete in smaller arenas with strong local support.

Arenas such as Cameron Indoor Stadium, Allen Fieldhouse, Rupp Arena, the Dean Smith Center, and Assembly Hall are known for tradition, atmosphere, and passionate fan bases. These environments are part of what makes Division I basketball exciting.

For recruits, the arena and fan support can be part of the college experience, but they should not be the main reason for choosing a school. A player should still focus on roster fit, coaching staff, academics, development, location, and whether the program truly needs their position.

A great arena is exciting, but the right opportunity matters more.

Player Development and the Pathway After College Basketball

Many Division I players dream of playing professionally, but only a small percentage will reach the NBA or another professional league. That is why player development, academics, and long-term fit matter so much.

Division I programs can help players develop through:

✅ Strength and conditioning
✅ Skill development
✅ Film study
✅ High-level competition
✅ Experienced coaching
✅ Athletic training and recovery support
✅ Academic and career resources

Some D1 programs regularly produce professional players, while others focus more on developing athletes who will succeed in college, graduate, and move into careers after basketball.

For recruits, the best question is not only, “Can this school help me go pro?” A better question is, “Can this program help me develop as a player, earn a role, graduate, and build a future?”

Current Trends in Division I Men’s Basketball Recruiting

Division I men’s basketball recruiting has changed a lot in recent years. Coaches are not only recruiting high school players. They are also watching the transfer portal, JUCO players, post-grad athletes, international prospects, and players who can fill specific roster needs quickly.

Some major trends affecting D1 recruiting include:

✅ Transfer portal movement
✅ NIL opportunities
✅ Scholarship and roster changes
✅ International recruiting
✅ JUCO transfers
✅ Post-grad development routes
✅ Position-specific recruiting needs
✅ More competition for roster spots

Because rosters can change quickly, players should stay organized and ready. A program that looks full today may need a guard, wing, forward, or big later because of transfers, injuries, academic issues, or late roster movement.

For recruits, the key is to stay visible, keep film updated, maintain strong academics, and target programs that may actually need their position.

Final Thoughts on NCAA Division I Basketball Colleges

NCAA Division I basketball is the highest level of NCAA college basketball, but it is also one of the most competitive recruiting paths. Players targeting D1 programs need strong film, serious work ethic, academic eligibility, coachability, and a realistic understanding of where they fit.

This NCAA Division I basketball colleges list can help players, parents, and coaches research programs by school, location, conference, and level. As you build your recruiting list, remember to look beyond the name of the school. Focus on roster fit, academic fit, playing style, location, and whether the program may need your position.

Players who are still looking for opportunities should also keep their options open across NCAA D2, NCAA D3, NAIA, JUCO, USCAA, NCCAA, and post-grad programs.

Quick FAQs About NCAA Division I Basketball

Related Basketball Recruiting Guides

If you are researching NCAA Division I basketball colleges, these guides can help you take the next step:

Colleges Still Recruiting Basketball Players
Learn how late recruiting works and why some college basketball programs may still have roster needs.

College Basketball Openings
View current college basketball recruiting opportunities for unsigned players, transfers, JUCO players, and post-grad athletes.

Colleges Looking for Basketball Players
Learn how to find programs that may still be looking for basketball players by position, class, level, and player type.

How to Get Recruited for College Basketball
Build a step-by-step recruiting plan, prepare your film, and contact coaches the right way.

Basketball Scholarships Still Available
Learn how late scholarship opportunities may appear across NCAA, NAIA, JUCO, and other college basketball levels.

About College Basketball Openings

College Basketball Openings helps players, parents, coaches, and recruiting services research college basketball programs and find current recruiting opportunities. Since 2020, the platform has tracked college basketball openings, roster needs, and recruiting information across NCAA, NAIA, JUCO, USCAA, NCCAA, and post-grad levels.

This NCAA Division I basketball colleges list is designed to help athletes build a smarter recruiting list by researching D1 programs by school, location, conference, and level.

For players still looking for a team, College Basketball Openings also provides current recruiting opportunities so athletes can target programs that may still need their position, class, and player type.