Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights competes in the Horizon League and transitioned to Division I in 2012. The Norse have quickly become competitive, winning Horizon League championships and making NCAA Tournament appearances.
The Norse mascot references the Viking warriors of Scandinavian legend, chosen for their strength, exploration, and fighting spirit.
The 2017 NCAA Tournament appearance, the program's first after transitioning to Division I, marking a rapid ascent for the Greater Cincinnati-area school.
NKU's Truist Arena is located just minutes from downtown Cincinnati, giving the Norse access to one of the best basketball recruiting hotbeds in the country.
The Northern Kentucky Norse compete in the Horizon League and hold an all-time record of 248–195 (.560 winning percentage) across 14 recorded seasons dating back to 2012-13.
| Season | Record | Conference | Coach | AP peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 20-14 | 10-10 (Horizon) | Darrin Horn | |
| 2024-25 | 17-16 | 11-9 (Horizon) | Darrin Horn | |
| 2023-24 | 18-15 | 12-8 (Horizon) | Darrin Horn | |
| 2022-23 | 22-13 | 14-6 (Horizon) | Darrin Horn | |
| 2021-22 | 20-12 | 14-6 (Horizon) | Darrin Horn | |
| 2020-21 | 14-11 | 11-7 (Horizon) | Darrin Horn | |
| 2019-20 | 23-9 | 13-5 (Horizon) | Darrin Horn | |
| 2018-19 | 26-9 | 13-5 (Horizon) | John Brannen | |
| 2017-18 | 22-10 | 15-3 (Horizon) | John Brannen | |
| 2016-17 | 24-11 | 12-6 (Horizon) | John Brannen | |
| 2015-16 | 9-21 | 5-13 (Horizon) | John Brannen | |
| 2014-15 | 13-17 | 7-7 (A-Sun) | Dave Bezold | |
| 2013-14 | 9-21 | 5-13 (A-Sun) | Dave Bezold | |
| 2012-13 | 11-16 | 9-9 (A-Sun) | Dave Bezold |
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| Rank | Team | Conference | All-Time Wins |
|---|
Top 100 by all-time D1 wins. Verified against the NCAA record book — and tiered so you can argue properly.
| # | COACH | RECORD | WIN % | SCHOOL(S) | YEARS | BEST SEASON / LEGACY |
|---|