March Madness 2026: 10 Schools Poised to Skyrocket in Merchandise Revenue Rankings

February 10, 2026

Staff Writer

Earlier this year, we ranked the Top 75 U.S. colleges by projected 2025 merchandise licensing revenue, blending football dominance, basketball legacy, conference realignment, and NIL-driven brand momentum.

Now, with March Madness 2026 just weeks away and the current men’s basketball season heating up, several schools are delivering tournament-worthy performances that could dramatically reshape that list. From undefeated juggernauts to surprising mid-major risers, here are the teams whose hoops success is most likely to translate into a significant jump in licensing revenue rankings once the bracket dust settles.

Based on current basketball performance, here are the ten teams set to rise in the Top 75 Merchandise Licensing Revenue list.

1 Arizona

Current AP: #1

Merchandise Licensing Revenue Ranking: #35

Predicted Ranking: #20-25

Undefeated at 23-0, dominating with elite defense and scoring. As a hoops powerhouse in a rising Big 12, this could push them into the merch top 20–25, especially with consistent Final Four potential.

2 Iowa State

Current AP: #5;

Merchandise Licensing Revenue Ranking: #67

Predicted Ranking: #37-47

21-2 record with tough Big 12 wins; their defensive intensity is generating buzz. Low merch rank due to historical G5 vibes, but current success signals a 20–30 spot climb.

3 Gonzaga

Current AP: #12

Merchandise Licensing Revenue Ranking: #71

Predicted Ranking: #41

23-2, perennial tournament threats with multiple Final Fours. No football drags them down, but this season's dominance could vault them 30+ spots into mid-tier merch.

4 UConn

Current AP: #6

Merchandise Licensing Revenue Ranking: #46

Predicted Ranking: #21-31

Defending champs at 22-2, with four recent titles. Basketball carry is real; ongoing success could see a 15–25 spot rise, overcoming football absence.

5 Purdue

Current AP: #13

Merchandise Licensing Revenue Ranking: #38)

Predicted Ranking: #18-28

19-4 with Zach Edey NIL legacy lingering; strong Big Ten play this year positions them for a 10–20 spot bump.

6 Virginia

Current AP: #15;

Merchandise Licensing Revenue Ranking: #39

Predicted Ranking: #24-29

20-3, elite defense driving wins. Recent hoops title (2019) plus current form could lift them 10–15 spots.

7 Illinois

Current AP: #8

Merchandise Licensing Revenue Ranking: #27

Predicted Ranking: #17

20-4 in competitive Big Ten; hoops rise + NIL sales noted in drivers—expect a 10+ spot gain if they sustain.

8 Kansas

Current AP: #9;

Merchandise Licensing Revenue Ranking: #28

Predicted Ranking: #20

18-5, but as a blueblood with 2022 title, rebounding from "Calipari decline" narrative could push top 20.

9 Nebraska

Current AP: #7

Merchandise Licensing Revenue Ranking: #30

Predicted Ranking: #15-20

Surprising 21-2 surge; loyal fanbase + no playoffs in football—basketball breakout could elevate 10–15 spots.

10 North Carolina

Current AP: #11

Merchandise Licensing Revenue Ranking: #21

Predicted Ranking: #15

19-4, hoops-heavy with four titles; current momentum counters recent slide, potential for top 15 merch rise.