10 Teams That Had a Real Shot at the National Title.

As a college basketball fan, the 2020 NCAA Tournament cancellation due to COVID-19 was one of the most disappointing moments in sports history. Reflecting on the teams that had genuine chances to claim the national title shows just how competitive that year was. Kansas was the top-ranked team entering March 2020, boasting the best defense in the country and considered the betting favorite. Coach Bill Self’s squad combined experience and lockdown defense, making them a formidable opponent capable of cutting down the nets. Similarly, Gonzaga featured a star-studded roster with balanced scoring and was primed to make a deep run, potentially securing their first-ever championship. One of the most intriguing stories was Dayton. Led by Obi Toppin, the Flyers weren’t a traditional Cinderella but had the talent and momentum to win six straight games. Their chances were real and made their missed opportunity all the more painful for fans. Other contenders like Kentucky and Duke, led by coaches John Calipari and Mike Krzyzewski respectively, had proven tournament success and rosters that could peak in March. Teams such as Baylor and San Diego State also had impressive records and defensive prowess, making them threats no one wanted to overlook. Michigan State, under Tom Izzo, was surging at the perfect time—Izzo’s teams have a reputation for toughness and deep tournament runs. At the same time, Florida State had the NBA-level talent and depth to compete against any opponent. What stood out was how COVID-19 abruptly ended a tournament that promised excitement and unpredictability. Each of these teams had unique strengths and styles of play that could have altered college basketball history. This year’s teams showed that the national championship was theirs for the taking, making the lost opportunity bittersweet but a testament to the quality and depth of college basketball talent across the country. For fans reflecting on that season, it remains a powerful "what if"—highlighting the importance of team chemistry, coaching, and timing to succeed in March Madness. Hopefully, future tournaments will allow these talented teams the chance to fulfill their championship dreams.