UConn's Alex Karaban Eyes Historic Third National Title

The veteran forward aims to join elite company with a championship three-peat.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:52pm

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UConn basketball star Alex Karaban has the chance to accomplish a rare feat in college basketball history - winning his third national championship. Karaban, a veteran forward who has been dubbed the 'old dog' of the Huskies locker room, is determined to leave a lasting legacy by leading his team to victory in the national title game against Michigan.

Why it matters

Winning three national championships is an elite accomplishment, with only a handful of players in NCAA history having achieved the feat. Karaban's potential championship three-peat would cement his status as one of the greatest players of his era and solidify UConn's dominance in the sport.

The details

Karaban, a key contributor for the Huskies throughout their tournament run, has been vocal about his desire to cap his college career with a third national title. He has embraced the 'old dog' moniker, saying he doesn't want his time in a UConn jersey to end and is willing to 'keep fighting' to achieve his goal.

  • UConn defeated Arizona in the Final Four to advance to the national championship game.
  • The national title game between UConn and Michigan will take place on April 7, 2026.

The players

Alex Karaban

A veteran forward for the UConn Huskies basketball team who is seeking to become one of the few players in NCAA history to win three national championships.

Larry Farmer

A former UCLA basketball player who, along with Larry Hollyfield, was the last player to win three national titles, accomplishing the feat in 1973.

Larry Hollyfield

A former UCLA basketball player who, along with Larry Farmer, was the last player to win three national titles, accomplishing the feat in 1973.

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What they’re saying

“It's why I came back. I wanted to leave a legacy that is unmatched in college basketball.”

— Alex Karaban

“It's an interesting way to put it, but I mean, yeah, I don't want this to end. I want to keep going. I want to keep fighting and really keep wearing that Connecticut jersey across my chest.”

— Alex Karaban

What’s next

UConn will face Michigan in the national championship game on April 7, 2026, where Karaban will have the opportunity to win his third title and cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in college basketball history.

The takeaway

Alex Karaban's pursuit of a third national championship with UConn highlights the enduring excellence of the Huskies program and the drive of its veteran leaders to leave an indelible mark on the sport. His potential achievement would solidify his status as an all-time great and inspire future generations of college basketball players.