Buckner played basketball 1973-76 and was captain 1974 and 1976. He played football from 1973-74. Buckner played on four Big Ten championship teams and helped lead 1976 team to a NCAA title. He was IU's co-MVP in 1975, All-Big Ten in 1974 and 1975, and an All-American in 1975 and 1976. He was a starter and captain of 1976 Olympic team which won gold medal and only person ever to play on championship teams in high school, college and professional levels and win gold medal in Olympics. He led football team in interceptions two years.