March to Madness: UCF Men’s Basketball 2025-56

The UCF men’s basketball team made the 2025-26 season one to remember, capped by a bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019.

Basketball guard #1 Themus Fulks, in black UCF uniform, attempts a layup with three UCLA defenders circling him in crowded arena.

With a roster full of new faces, the UCF men’s basketball team was dismissed by many of the so-called experts ahead of the 2025-26 season. But the Knights proved the doubters wrong with a resume worthy of selection to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since their memorable 2019 appearance — and the sixth time in school history.

Along the way, UCF appeared in the Associated Press Top 25 national poll for the first time in seven years, beat two nationally ranked Big 12 teams on the Knights’ home court, upset No. 19 BYU on the road, defeated the University of Cincinnati in overtime to advance to the Big 12 Conference Tournament quarterfinal for the first time and battled UCLA to the wire in the first round of March Madness.

3 wins

Over Top 25 teams, tying a single-season school record

2nd straight 20-win season

For the first time since 2012-13

1 of only 2

NCAA Tournament teams without returning scorers from last season

UCF center #7 Jon Bol, in blue SpaceU jersey, raises his right arm in celebration with crowd of students around him at UCF's Addition Financial Arena.

Aerial view of UCF players circled together in a huddle, standing underneath March Madness logo at center court.

Basketball guard #1 Themus Fulks, in black UCF uniform, attempts a jump shot as two UCLA defenders close in with stands of people behind them watching.

Jenna Marina Lee Spring 2026