Indiana Hoosiers Honored 50 Years After Last Perfect NCAA Champion

The 1975-76 team, led by Bob Knight, remains the last undefeated men's Division I national champion.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:10pm

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The Indiana Hoosiers, led by legendary coach Bob Knight, will be honored before the 2026 NCAA men's basketball national championship game for their perfect 32-0 season in 1975-76 - the last undefeated team to win the national title. The Hoosiers, who featured six future NBA players, dominated opponents that season and are considered one of the greatest March Madness teams ever.

Why it matters

The 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers remain the last perfect team to win the NCAA men's basketball championship, a feat that has eluded all other teams in the 50 years since. Their accomplishment is a source of pride for the university and the state of Indiana, and their legacy continues to be celebrated as a high-water mark in college basketball history.

The details

Indiana's perfect season included a dominant second-half comeback against Michigan in the national semifinals, where they outscored the Wolverines 57-33 to rally for an 86-68 victory. The Hoosiers featured a loaded roster with six future NBA players, including two All-Americans and the AP National Player of the Year. They shot nearly 52% from the field, had 655 assists compared to 325 for opponents, and won by an average margin of 17.3 points per game.

  • The 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers won the NCAA championship on March 29, 1976.
  • The team will be honored before the 2026 NCAA men's basketball national championship game, 50 years after their perfect season.

The players

Bob Knight

The late Hall of Fame coach who led the Indiana Hoosiers to the 1975-76 national championship, the last perfect season in Division I men's basketball history.

Quinn Buckner

A starting guard on the 1975-76 Indiana team who was also drafted by the NFL's Washington Redskins.

Kent Benson

A starting forward who continued to play through a serious wrist injury during the Hoosiers' perfect season.

Scott May

The Associated Press National Player of the Year and a key member of the 1975-76 Indiana team.

Tom Abernethy

A starting forward who recalled the team's dominant second-half comeback against Michigan in the national semifinals.

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What they’re saying

“The greatest game I remember. We had 20 minutes to make history. It could have been the best half of basketball I've ever witnessed.”

— Tom Abernethy, Starting forward

“Coach (Knight) said at the conclusion of the '76 season, 'Fans should take a good look at the group because you'll never see another group like it again.'”

— Quinn Buckner, Board of trustee member, Indiana University

What’s next

The Indiana Hoosiers will be honored before the 2026 NCAA men's basketball national championship game, 50 years after their perfect season.

The takeaway

The 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers remain the last undefeated national champion in Division I men's basketball, a feat that has eluded all other teams in the 50 years since. Their dominant performance and lasting legacy as one of the greatest March Madness teams ever continues to be celebrated by the university, the state of Indiana, and college basketball fans nationwide.