Indiana's Undefeated 1976 National Champions Shine on YouTube

The legendary Hoosiers team could have been even more dominant with Larry Bird on the roster.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 11:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 1976 Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team is widely regarded as one of the greatest championship teams in college basketball history, finishing the season a perfect 32-0 and winning the national title. Led by head coach Bobby Knight and star center Kent Benson, the Hoosiers' dominance that season has been immortalized on YouTube for fans to relive. But the team's legacy is even more intriguing given the 'what if' scenario of Indiana landing a young Larry Bird, who briefly enrolled at the school before transferring out.

Why it matters

The 1976 Indiana team's undefeated season and national championship is considered one of the high points in college basketball history. Imagining how dominant they could have been with the addition of Larry Bird, who went on to become an NBA legend, has become a tantalizing 'what if' scenario for fans and historians alike.

The details

In his first season as Indiana's head coach in 1971, Bobby Knight led the Hoosiers to the NIT. By 1974-75, Indiana had emerged as a national powerhouse, finishing 31-1. The following season, in 1975-76, Indiana ran the table, going 32-0 and winning the national title, led by standout center Kent Benson. That same year, future Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski was in his first season at Army, while Larry Bird briefly enrolled at Indiana before leaving about a month later, overwhelmed by the size of the school and the hostility of Benson.

  • In 1971, Bobby Knight took the Indiana head coaching job at age 31.
  • In 1974-75, Indiana finished 31-1.
  • In 1975-76, Indiana went 32-0 and won the national championship.
  • In 1975-76, Mike Krzyzewski was in his first season as head coach at Army.
  • In 1974, Larry Bird briefly enrolled at Indiana before leaving about a month later.

The players

Bobby Knight

The head coach of the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers, who led the team to an undefeated national championship season.

Kent Benson

The standout 6-11 center for the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers, who was an outstanding college player.

Larry Bird

The legendary basketball player who briefly enrolled at Indiana in 1974 before transferring out, missing the chance to play on the Hoosiers' undefeated 1976 national championship team.

Mike Krzyzewski

The future Hall of Fame coach who was in his first season as the head coach at Army in 1975-76 while the Hoosiers were winning the national title.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The 1976 Indiana Hoosiers' undefeated national championship season is cemented as one of the greatest in college basketball history. But the team's legacy is even more intriguing given the 'what if' scenario of Indiana landing a young Larry Bird, who could have helped them potentially win four straight titles and alter the trajectory of both the Hoosiers' and Bird's careers.