Football History

The history of the Crimson Tide's football program is summed up very well in this YouTube Video. Learn about the legendary coaches, players, and plays that make Alabama such a storied gridiron program.

Here is a video that captures some snippets of some of the greatest moments and players in UCF Football history. Take a look at the looks of the gridiron uniforms of the Knights through the years as you enjoy the special moments that captured the hearts of the onlooking fans.

Born an underdog in the 80s, UCF Knights football rose like a meteor. The early days saw classic white helmets and gritty wins. Then came gold, symbolizing their rise and iconic "UCF" logo charge. Coach Frost led a 25-game win streak, rewriting records and silencing doubters. Now, they wear chrome, Pegasus wings, and a swagger like champions. From scrappy underdogs to national contenders, the Knights' story is one of relentless climb, bold helmets, and charging into the future, forever golden.

The YouTube video really captures the spirit of Knight football and the excellence that the program has strived for over the seasons. Remember, it was made just after the 2020 season, so there is so much more that has occurred since and even more that will stir the emotions of the faithful in the future.

The Arkansas Razorbacks football program, a tale of passionate fans, gridiron battles, and moments etched in Hog lore, stretches back to 1894. Here's a glimpse into their Early Days with:

-The "Cardinals" era, with Latin professors as coaches and simple leather helmets.

-First coach John Futrall coined the "Razorback" nickname after a tough win against LSU.

-Struggles and inconsistency marked the early decades, with flashes of success under coaches like Hugo Bezdek.

The Golden years under legendary coach Frank Broyles, with 16 conference titles and 3 national championship appearances.


The SEC Challenge (1990s-Present):

-Transitioning to the SEC was tough, with initial struggles to reach previous heights.

-Coaching changes brought new strategies and philosophies, like Danny Jones' run-heavy approach and Houston Nutt's passionate leadership.

-Highs like the 1995 SEC West title and 2006 SEC Championship game appearance, mixed with challenges and rebuilding periods.


Modern Eras and New Hope (2010s-Present):

-Sam Pittman's arrival in 2020 signaled a renewed optimism with an emphasis on recruiting and physicality.

-Exciting victories over Texas and rival Missouri, as well as strong bowl performances, fueled excitement for the future.

-Razorbacks football remains deeply rooted in Arkansas culture, where Saturday becomes synonymous with cheering on the Hogs in Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

Option Dreams under Hoosier Skies: A Tale of Hoosier Football Beneath the majestic elms of Indiana University's Bloomington campus lies a gridiron tapestry woven with tales of triumph, heartbreak, and a relentless pursuit of gridiron glory. This is the chronicle of the Indiana Hoosiers football program, a journey that spans over a century, echoing with the cheers of Hoosier Nation and the thud of footballs against the autumn sky.

From the early days of muddied fields and leather helmets to the sleek modernity of Memorial Stadium, the Hoosiers have etched their name in college football history. They've weathered storms of controversy, witnessed moments of legendary brilliance, and embraced a unique offensive identity that defined them on the national stage.

This is a story of the Hoosier spirit, a testament to the unwavering passion that burns bright in the hearts of players, coaches, and fans alike. So, grab your crimson and cream, tune in to the "Hoosier Fight Song," and prepare to relive the Hoosier saga – a captivating chapter in the storied annals of American football

Down South in Georgia is the successful football program of the Georgia Institute of Technology. The team has made the students, faculty, alums, and fans proud to support them at home and away games. GT has an excellent tradition of quality pigskin play and is a perennial contender for their respective conference title and sometimes even the National Championship.

On the following pages, we will cover aspects of the team, which may include the Program's Origin, the Biggest Games in School History, the Program's Top Players, the Most Significant Coaches, the Program's Logo and Mascot History, the team's Helmet Designs Over Time, and so much more.

Move forward into the school's Gridiron history on this page!

1969 - A report that the Student Council at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska, was proposing to abolish the school's football program was laughable, according to then-head football coach Max Kitzelman. " I think it was humorous. Nothing will come of it. I could be surprised.

The proposal proposed redirecting the funds allocated to the Midland gridiron program to other athletic activities. Kitzelman thought this was laughable because the Council did not poll the student body before making the proposal, and the offer was premature.

The root of the issue may have been due to the football team being winless during the 1968 season. Kitzelman pointed to player ineligibility and losing some key players to other sports. Things did not improve in the 1969 season for Coach Kitzelman's team as they finished the year with a 1-7 record, good enough for a 4th place (of 6 teams) finish in the 1969 Nebraska Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football standings. The football program continued in 1970, but Coach K left for the sidelines. Midland was 3-7 in 1970.

Losing isn't fun, even at an NAIA Division II school.

Source - The Midland Atchison, Kansas · Friday, March 28, 1969

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March 27, 1991 - The NCAA banned the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football program from postseason play in 1992. In an article he did for the Chicago Tribune, Ed Sherman tells the tale of the incident quite well.

A former University of Minnesota administrator, Luther Darville, started the practice way back in 1982 of handing out cash to football players. Others in the Minnesota program caught him red-handed in 1988 and stopped the practice with consequences. Therefore, the NCAA felt obligated to do its investigation. In its aftermath, it laid the hammer down on the program in 1991, not allowing the team to participate in a bowl game for the 1991 postseason.

Mr. Sherman brings up some great points about people who committed crimes, both in Darville's handing out the funds and the 1982-era players who accepted them, did not suffer much from the NCAA penalty. But the legacy players and coaches in the Golden Gophers program, almost a decade later, served the penance for what their predecessors did so long ago. D. Alan Williams, chairman of the NCAA's infraction committee in 1991, had a different opinion, according to the article. First, he said, the NCAA isn't penalizing individuals. "The penalties are to the institution. It's always unfortunate, but the committee has what it requires to do before it."

The matter comes down to the fact that there has to be a better punishment for violating institutions; perhaps a more efficient and timely investigation, rather than one three years in length, would be a good place to start.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys football program, representing Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. Established in 1895, the program initially emerged as a way to foster school spirit and community pride, mirroring the growth of college football across the United States.

In its early years, the Cowboys were part of the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference and gradually began to build a competitive reputation. The program saw significant growth in the 1920s and 1930s, with the construction of Lewis Field in 1920, which provided a home for the team and a venue for thousands of fans to rally behind their players. The team adopted its iconic orange and black colors, which have since become synonymous with Oklahoma State athletics.

The turning point for the Cowboys came in the 1940s under head coach Jim Lookabaugh, who led the team to its first conference championships. The success helped solidify Oklahoma State’s position in college football, and the team began to attract more attention both regionally and nationally.

In 1958, the program achieved a significant milestone by joining the Big Eight Conference, which further elevated its competitiveness. This period saw the emergence of notable players and coaches, including legendary coach Jimmy Johnson in the 1980s, who would later gain fame in the NFL. Under Johnson's leadership, the Cowboys achieved a national ranking and were invited to bowl games, enhancing the program's prestige.

The 1990s and early 2000s were marked by ups and downs, but the hiring of head coach Mike Gundy in 2005 ushered in a new era of success. Gundy revitalized the program, leading the Cowboys to multiple bowl appearances and significant victories over traditional rivals. The team's performance soared, highlighted by a Big 12 Championship in 2011 and consistent rankings in national polls.

Oklahoma State football is not just known for its competitive spirit; it also boasts a passionate fan base and a unique game-day atmosphere at Boone Pickens Stadium. The integration of tradition, community involvement, and academic commitment has solidified the Cowboys' identity both on and off the field.

Today, the Oklahoma State Cowboys football program continues to be a vital part of the university’s athletic landscape, contributing to the legacy of college football in the United States. With a commitment to excellence, the Cowboys aim to build on their storied past while aspiring for future successes in the ever-evolving world of college athletics.

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From the sun-baked plains of College Station to the thunderous roars of Kyle Field, Texas A&M football echoes with a history as rugged and resilient as the Texas landscape itself. But how did this gridiron giant first take its steps onto the field?

The year was 1894, when a young A&M, then known as Texas Agricultural and Mechanical College, yearned for an athletic outlet beyond track and baseball. Enter F. Dudley Perkins, a professor turned coach, who brought the first official football team to life. It was a humble beginning, a ragtag group of 11 men facing off against rivals like Baylor and Trinity University. Their initial record – 1 win, 1 loss – might not have set the world on fire, but it sparked a flame that would blaze for over a century.

Early years were marked by both grit and growth. Teams led by coaches like Charles Moran and Dana X. Bible carved their names in A&M lore, capturing conference titles and etching a reputation for tough, Texas-style football. The 1919 team, undefeated and untied, even earned a retroactive national championship title from the Billingsley Report.

Nestled in the heart of Statesboro, Georgia, the Georgia Southern Eagles football program is more than just a team. It's a cultural phenomenon, a beacon of pride, and a champion of innovation, all wrapped up in the iconic blue and white feathers of their logo.

Early Beginnings and Rise to Prominence:

Founded in 1981, the Eagles quickly carved their niche in the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) under the legendary Coach Erk Russell. Their innovative triple-option offense, led by stars like Tracy Ham and Adrian Peterson, became a signature spectacle, earning them six national championships and solidifying their place among the elite.