Football History

The Big 12 Conference is a college athletic conference for 14 universities in the central and southern United States. It's one of the five Power Five conferences, which are the most athletically prestigious and revenue-generating conferences in the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

The Big 12 was founded in 1994 with eight members from the former Big Eight Conference and four from the former Southwest Conference.

Since then, it has expanded to its current 14 members, with the most recent additions being UCF, BYU, Cincinnati, and Houston in 2023.

For 2024 Arizona, Arizona State, Utah ares set to enter the league.

The State of Ohio houses the exciting football program of the University of Akron. The team has made the students, faculty, alums, and fans proud to support them at home and away games.

Akron has an excellent tradition of quality pigskin play and is a perennial contender for their respective conference title and sometimes even a Bowl game during the holidays. Zip into Akron's Gridiron history on this page!

A football helmet is a signature piece to any proud football program at the college level. Its unique look identifies the school and the warriors that wear them as a unified team ready to stand against their opposition in unison. These key identifiers have gone through drastic and dynamic changes over time. Here is where we try and take a look at the evolution of the teams with the help of some brilliant websites that specialize in this endeavor.

The University of Michigan Wolverines football program is a titan of college football, boasting a rich history steeped in tradition, gridiron dominance, and legendary players. This essay delves into the program's remarkable journey, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a national powerhouse.

The Wolverines' story starts in 1879, with the formation of the university's first official football team. Early years were marked by regional competition and the development of a fierce rivalry with the University of Notre Dame, a tradition that continues to this day. The program truly began its ascent under the legendary coach Fielding Yost, who led the team from 1901 to 1926. Yost implemented innovative offensive strategies, like the "Hurry-Up" offense, and cultivated a winning culture that resulted in six national championships and numerous conference titles. This golden era solidified Michigan as a national power and produced iconic players like "Hurryin'" Ernie Steenhan and the formidable "Point a Minute" teams.

The Yost era ended in the late 1920s, but the Wolverines continued to find success under coaches like Fritz Crisler and Bump Elliott. The 1940s saw the rise of the legendary Tom Harmon, a Heisman Trophy winner who led the team to national titles in 1947 and 1948. The latter half of the 20th century witnessed periods of both dominance and rebuilding, with coaches like Bo Schembechler and Gary Moeller leading the team to national titles in 1997 and 2000, respectively.

Recent years have seen the Wolverines under the leadership of Jim Harbaugh, a former Michigan quarterback himself. Harbaugh has revitalized the program, emphasizing a strong running game and a physical defense. While a national championship still eludes them in the modern era, the Wolverines remain a consistent contender on the national stage.

The legacy of Michigan Wolverines football extends beyond wins and championships. The program boasts a dedicated fanbase known as "Maize and Blue" for their iconic team colors. Michigan Stadium, nicknamed "The Big House," is the largest college football stadium in the United States and a testament to the program's enduring popularity.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders football helmet has undergone a fascinating evolution throughout the program's history, reflecting both technological advancements and the ever-changing landscape of college football aesthetics.

In the early days of the Red Raiders football program, helmets were primarily made of leather and offered minimal protection to players. The early Texas Tech helmets likely resembled those worn by other college teams of the era, featuring a basic design with minimal embellishments. As the sport evolved and the focus on player safety increased, so too did the sophistication of the Texas Tech helmet.

The introduction of plastic shells in the mid-20th century marked a significant turning point in helmet design. These shells provided increased durability and shock absorption, offering better protection for players on the field. It was around this time that the Red Raiders began incorporating their signature red color into their helmet design.

Throughout the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century, the Texas Tech helmet design continued to see refinements. Facemasks became more sophisticated, offering enhanced protection for the facial area. Additionally, striping patterns and logos were incorporated to create a more distinct and recognizable visual identity for the Red Raiders.

One of the most significant changes to the Texas Tech helmet design came in 1994 with the introduction of the iconic "Double T" logo. This bold and instantly recognizable symbol became a source of pride for Red Raider fans and a symbol of the team's identity.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders football helmet today represents a culmination of tradition and innovation. It embodies the program's rich history while remaining technologically advanced to ensure player safety. The helmet's design continues to evolve subtly, reflecting the changing trends in college football aesthetics while staying true to the core identity of the Red Raiders.

This article delves into the surprising past of Duke University's athletics. Forget knights or crusaders – discover how Duke's teams transformed into the ferocious, rally-igniting Blue Devils. We'll explore the influence of World War I, student newspaper rivalry, and a dash of controversy that led to this now-iconic mascot. So, prepare to be surprised as you uncover the story of how Duke University became the Blue Devils!

Duke University's prestigious reputation may come as a surprise to those who don't know its history. Before the iconic blue devil mascot and sprawling Durham campus, Duke existed as a much smaller institution – Trinity College. Founded in 1838 as a Methodist school named Union Institute, it underwent several transformations. In 1851, it became Normal College, focusing on teacher training. Finally, in 1859, with financial backing from the Methodist Church, it was christened Trinity College, reflecting its Christian mission.

This early Trinity College laid the groundwork for Duke's future success. It emphasized a strong liberal arts education, attracting talented students and faculty. The move to Durham in 1892 and crucial donations from the Duke family in the early 20th century allowed Trinity to expand dramatically. In 1924, it officially became Duke University, honoring the Dukes' generosity and ushering in a new era of academic prominence. While the name changed, the legacy of Trinity's dedication to education continues to be a cornerstone of Duke University's identity.

It was From Humble Beginnings to Roaring Gators: The Birth of a Florida Football Tradition.

The University of Florida, synonymous today with the ferocious roar of the Gator chomping on opponents, wasn't always adorned with orange and blue or represented by a giant, toothy reptile. The story of how the Gators became a symbol of Florida athletics is a tale of chance encounters, student spirit, and a mascot that perfectly embodies the state's unique character.

The early days of Florida athletics were a far cry from the modern era of cheering for the Gators. Established in 1853, the university fielded its first football team in 1906. However, a nickname was curiously absent. Teams were simply referred to as the "Florida eleven" or the "University of Gainesville eleven."

The now-iconic Gator connection can be traced back to a seemingly insignificant event in 1907. Austin Miller, a Gainesville native attending law school at the University of Virginia, was tasked with ordering pennants for his father's store back in Florida. Visiting the Michie Company, a manufacturer of such items, Miller realized Florida lacked an official emblem. Inspired by the presence of mascots for other schools and the abundance of alligators in Florida, Miller suggested the "alligators." The manager, unfamiliar with the creature, approved based on a picture Miller procured from the university library.

Though the initial intent may not have been mascot-related, the alligator quickly gained traction. The pennants bearing the image proved popular, and student publications began referencing the "Florida Gators." This informal adoption resonated with fans and athletes alike. The ferocious nature and resilience of the alligator mirrored the spirit desired in Florida's athletic teams.

The visual representation of the mascot, however, took a more organic path. Unlike some universities with predetermined mascots, the gator gradually permeated the university's identity. Early mentions included references in student publications and the adoption of orange and purple (later changed to gold) as school colors, mirroring the stripes of a tiger (a mistake some believe further fueled the need for a true gator mascot). This unofficial association with the alligator solidified its place as the embodiment of the Florida spirit.

The turning point came in 1936. Inspired by a travelling circus, a group of students, led by athletic trainer Chellis "Mike" Chambers, hatched a daring plan: bring a live gator to campus. Funds were raised from students, a young alligator cub was purchased from a zoo, and he was christened "Sheik." However, recognizing Chambers' pivotal role, the name was soon changed to "Mike," laying the foundation for the now-iconic tradition.

Mike I, as he became known, captivated the hearts of students and fans alike. He served as a living symbol of Florida spirit, attending games and even residing in a makeshift enclosure on campus. Though Mike I tragically passed away in 1956, the legacy of the live gator mascot was firmly established. Subsequent tigers, all named Mike, have continued this tradition, becoming beloved members of the Florida Gators community.

Today, the University of Florida boasts a state-of-the-art habitat for Mike, ensuring his well-being while allowing fans to connect with this unique mascot. From the chance encounter that led to the "alligators" moniker to the arrival of Mike I, the story of the Florida Gators is more than just a mascot adoption. It's a testament to the power of student spirit, the fortuitous alignment with a symbol that embodies the state's natural heritage, and a university's commitment to its mascot's well-being. So, the next time you hear the roar of the Gator chomping down on victory, remember the journey that led this powerful reptile to become a beloved symbol of Florida athletics.