Indiana's 1975-76 Undefeated Champions Embrace Passing the Torch

The Hoosiers, college basketball's last undefeated team, will welcome the next unbeaten champion with open arms.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 1:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The players from Indiana basketball's 1975-76 team, which finished 32-0 and won coach Bob Knight's first national championship, still stay in touch 50 years later. But they don't automatically celebrate whenever the last unbeaten team suffers its first loss, unlike the 1972 Miami Dolphins. The Hoosiers say they would be honored to pass the torch to the next undefeated team, whenever that may happen.

Why it matters

Indiana's 1976 team is the last undefeated champion in college basketball history, a feat that was more common in the 1960s and 70s but has become increasingly rare in the modern era. As the next potential unbeaten emerges, the Hoosiers' legacy and perspective provides an interesting contrast to the Dolphins' annual celebration.

The details

The 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers, led by National Player of the Year Scott May, went 32-0 and won the national championship under coach Bob Knight. The team still stays in touch 50 years later, but they don't mirror the 1972 Miami Dolphins in celebrating whenever the last unbeaten team loses. Instead, the Hoosiers say they would be honored to pass the torch to the next undefeated team, whenever that may happen.

  • The 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers finished the season 32-0 and won the national championship.
  • On March 29, 1976, the Hoosiers beat the Michigan Wolverines 86-68 to win the NCAA title.

The players

Bob Knight

The head coach of the 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers, who led the team to an undefeated national championship.

Quinn Buckner

A senior guard on the 1975-76 Indiana team.

Tom Abernethy

A starting forward on the 1975-76 Indiana team who averaged 10 points per game as a senior.

Scott May

The National Player of the Year on the 1975-76 Indiana team.

Jim Roberson

A freshman guard on the 1975-76 Indiana team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We don't celebrate. I have not been to a celebration. The Miami Dolphins thing does not happen, where they pop the champagne because they're last undefeated. We don't do that.”

— Quinn Buckner, Senior guard (SI.com)

“Part of the celebration, they're going to remember the old guys, but they said we may have the opportunity to crown the new champion if we want to. And to me, I personally would love to crown (them).”

— Tom Abernethy, Starting forward (SI.com)

“I don't see Arizona being able to beat that team. They couldn't have held a candle when they were in their prime. I'll leave it like that.”

— Jim Roberson, Freshman guard (SI.com)

What’s next

The 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers have an open invitation to attend the Final Four should the next undefeated team have a chance at losing their crown.

The takeaway

While the 1972 Miami Dolphins famously celebrate each year when the last unbeaten team falls, Indiana's 1975-76 championship team has a more gracious and forward-looking perspective. They are proud of their historic accomplishment but are ready to pass the torch to the next undefeated team, whenever that may come.