Updated All-Time Elite 8 Appearances by Schools in West
By SuperWest Sports Staff
As Arizona prepares to play in its 12th all-time Elite 8 on Saturday, we’ve compiled a list of all such appearances by schools in the West.
The region boasts 29 Elite 8 teams, 19 of which have made two or more appearances, led by UCLA with 22, Arizona with 12, and Oregon, Oregon State, and San Francisco all with seven.
But before we get to the list, for those who may be interested, a little history.
The NCAA recognizes Elite 8 appearances since the first tournament in 1939, even though only eight teams participated in the tournament from 1939 to 1950.
Between 1939 and 1950, there were only 8 teams in the tournament, so all teams can claim an Elite 8 appearance.
However, from 1975 to 1984, all teams were required to play at least one game before the Sweet 16, and since 1985, all have been required to play at least three games to make the Elite 8.
Here is the list of participating schools from the region.
All-Time Elite 8 Appearances by Schools in the West
| Appearances | School | Most Recent |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | UCLA | 2021 |
| 12 | Arizona | 2026 |
| 7 | Oregon | 2017 |
| 7 | Oregon State | 2021 |
| 7 | San Francisco | 1974 |
| 6 | Colorado | 1963 |
| 6 | Gonzaga | 2023 |
| 6 | Utah | 1998 |
| 5 | UNLV | 1991 |
| 5 | Santa Clara | 1969 |
| 5 | Wyoming | 1952 |
| 4 | USC | 2021 |
| 3 | Stanford | 2001 |
| 3 | BYU | 1981 |
| 3 | Arizona State | 1975 |
| 3 | California | 1960 |
| 3 | Washington | 1953 |
| 2 | Utah State | 1970 |
| 1 | San Diego State | 2023 |
| 1 | Cal State Fullerton | 1978 |
| 1 | Idaho State | 1977 |
| 1 | New Mexico State | 1970 |
| 1 | Colorado State | 1969 |
| 1 | Pacific | 1967 |
| 1 | Saint Mary’s | 1959 |
| 1 | Seattle | 1958 |
| 1 | Washington State | 1941 |
| 1 | Pepperdine | 1944 |
| 1 | Loyola Marymount | 1990 |