| Year: | 1976 |
| Team: | Rutgers Scarlet Knights |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | Independent |
| Coachrank: | 17 |
| Aprank: | 17 |
| Record: | 11–0 |
| Head Coach: | Frank R. Burns |
| Hc Year: | 4th |
| Def Coach: | Bob Naso |
| Dc Year: | 9th |
The 1976 Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team represented Rutgers University in the 1976 NCAA Division I football season. In their fourth season under head coach Frank R. Burns, the Scarlet Knights compiled a perfect 11–0 record while competing as an independent, outscored their opponents 287 to 81, and were ranked No. 17 in the final AP Poll. The team's statistical leaders included Bert Kosup with 1,098 passing yards, Glen Kehler with 764 rushing yards, and Mark Twitty with 514 receiving yards.[1] The Rutgers players decided to decline playing in the inaugural Independence Bowl against McNeese State in Shreveport, Louisiana.[2]