Top Undefeated College Basketball Teams Ranked Since 1978-79 Season
The Miami RedHawks are on the verge of completing a flawless regular season. With an impressive record of 30 wins and no losses, the team is set to face Ohio in their Mid-American Conference finale. This achievement could place Miami among an elite group of college basketball teams that finished the regular season unbeaten since the NCAA Tournament’s seeding era began in 1978-79.
As per BetMGM, only 24 teams have maintained an unblemished record during the regular season since 1948. Six out of the seven teams that achieved this feat were No. 1 seeds in their respective NCAA Tournaments. The last team to capture a national championship with a perfect record was Indiana, which finished 32-0 in 1976. Should Miami win, they will become the eighth team in this elite ranking.
Ranking Undefeated College Basketball Teams Since 1978-79
7. Alcorn State (1978-79)
- Regular-season record: 25-0
- Final record: 28-1
- Notable player: Larry Smith (17.7 points, 13.7 rebounds per game)
Despite a dominant regular season, Alcorn State was ineligible for the NCAA Tournament but went on to perform admirably in the NIT, defeating Mississippi State and narrowly losing to Indiana.
6. Wichita State (2013-14)
- Regular-season record: 31-0
- Final record: 35-1
- Key players: Cleanthony Early (16.4 ppg), Ron Baker (13.1 ppg)
Wichita State capitalized on their Final Four appearance from the previous season, earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament despite facing no ranked teams during the regular season.
5. Saint Joseph’s (2003-04)
- Regular-season record: 27-0
- Final record: 30-2
- Star player: Jameer Nelson (20.6 ppg, 5.3 assists)
Saint Joseph’s began their season strong and earned a No. 1 seed despite suffering an upset in the Atlantic 10 tournament, eventually reaching the Elite Eight.
4. Indiana State (1978-79)
- Regular-season record: 26-0
- Final record: 33-1
- Legendary player: Larry Bird (28.6 ppg, 14.9 rebounds)
Indiana State made it to the championship game after a stellar regular season but lost to Magic Johnson’s Michigan State in a widely viewed final showdown.
3. Gonzaga (2020-21)
- Regular-season record: 24-0
- Final record: 31-1
- Key contributors: Drew Timme (19.0 ppg), Jalen Suggs (14.4 ppg)
Gonzaga dominated their regular season and postseason, losing only in the national championship game against Baylor, despite strong performances throughout the tournament.
2. Kentucky (2014-15)
- Regular-season record: 31-0
- Final record: 38-1
- Noteworthy players: Karl-Anthony Towns, Devin Booker
Under coach John Calipari, Kentucky displayed dominance in the SEC and the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the Final Four where they were ultimately defeated by Wisconsin.
1. UNLV (1990-91)
- Regular-season record: 27-0
- Final record: 34-1
- Star player: Larry Johnson (22.7 ppg)
UNLV, the defending champion, had an explosive season but fell short against Duke in the Final Four, solidifying their status as one of the best teams that never won the national championship.
As Miami approaches their final regular season game, the basketball community eagerly anticipates whether they will join these distinguished ranks of undefeated teams.
