How are "National Championships" determined in the NCAA?

National Championships in the NCAA are determined by competitive events held to crown champions in specific sports across NCAA divisions. This process ensures that teams are evaluated based on their performance in actual competitions rather than relying on arbitrary methods like random selection or solely historical performance.

Each sport has its own designated championship event, where teams compete to earn the title of National Champion. This competitive structure is essential for maintaining fairness and promoting athletic excellence, as it allows the best teams of a given season to compete head-to-head. Additionally, the championship events are organized within a clear framework that includes qualifications, brackets, and tournaments, which helps facilitate a transparent and merit-based selection of champions each year.