Football History

Georgia Southern University's Eagles football program boasts a unique tale of rapid rise, national success, and bold transitions. Buckle up for a quick flight through their gridiron odyssey.

Through a rich history of upsets, victories, and thrilling play, the Georgia Southern Eagles continue to soar. Their innovative spirit, loyal fans, and dedication to excellence promise an exciting future in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.

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!

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The Georgia Southern Eagles football program boasts a rich and storied history marked by triumphant victories, iconic figures, and a unique identity within the NCAA landscape. Here's a glimpse into their journey:


Early Days and Resurgence:


1910: The Eagles first took flight, though football was briefly suspended during World War II.
1981: The program saw a revival, quickly establishing itself as a dominant force in the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS).

Golden Age of I-AA:


1984-2000: This period witnessed the Eagles' unmatched dominance, capturing six national championships under legendary coach Erk Russell.
Triple-option offense: The Eagles became renowned for their innovative and exciting triple-option attack, led by iconic players like Tracy Ham and Adrian Peterson.
"The Prettiest Little Stadium in America": Paulson Stadium's intimate atmosphere and iconic blue turf became a cherished symbol of Georgia Southern football.

Transition to FBS:


2014: The Eagles made the ambitious leap to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), joining the Sun Belt Conference.
Challenges and Adjustments: The transition was challenging, facing stiffer competition and adapting to new rules.
Sun Belt Success: Despite the initial hurdles, the Eagles captured their first Sun Belt Conference title in their debut season, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.


Present and Future:


2023: The Eagles continue to compete fiercely in the Sun Belt, aiming for further conference championships and national recognition.
Focus on Development: The program emphasizes player development and academic success, nurturing well-rounded individuals on and off the field.
Looking Ahead: With a dedicated coaching staff, passionate fanbase, and rich traditions, Georgia Southern football is poised for continued success and exciting chapters in its ongoing story.

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.

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The Georgia Southern Eagles football program, known for their triple-option offense and iconic blue turf, has etched its name in the record books with some truly electrifying games. These contests transcended mere wins and losses, becoming defining moments in program history and thrilling experiences for fans. Let's dive into a few of the biggest games that have cemented the Eagles' legacy:


1. 2000 National Championship Game vs. Montana Grizzlies:


Date: December 22, 2000
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Score: Georgia Southern 23, Montana 16

This game marked the culmination of the Eagles' dominant era under Coach Erk Russell as they faced off against the Montana Grizzlies for their third straight national championship. In a nail-biter, quarterback Jayson Stroman threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, securing the Eagles' dynasty and etching their names in college football history.


2. 2014 Sun Belt Conference Championship Game vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns:


Date: December 6, 2014
Location: Statesboro, Georgia
Score: Georgia Southern 38, Louisiana-Lafayette 28

This game marked not just a victory, but a monumental step for the Eagles as they transitioned to the FBS level. In their inaugural Sun Belt Conference championship game, the Eagles showcased their offensive prowess with a balanced attack led by quarterback Kelton Turner. This win proved their ability to compete at the highest level and instilled confidence as they embarked on their FBS journey.


3. 2023 Victory over Florida Gators at "The Swamp":


Date: October 28, 2023
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Score: Georgia Southern 26, Florida 20

This game was a faithful David vs. Goliath moment. The Eagles, underdogs against the storied Florida Gators in their own "Swamp" stadium, pulled off a stunning upset. Quarterback Cam Ransom threw for a touchdown and rushed for another, while the Eagles' defense held firm, forcing crucial turnovers and shutting down the Gators' offense in the second half. This victory sent shockwaves through college football and further cemented the Eagles' reputation as giant slayers.


4. 1999 National Championship Game vs. Youngstown State Penguins:


Date: December 18, 1999
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Score: Georgia Southern 38, Youngstown State 16

This game was another defining moment in Coach Russell's championship run. Quarterback Tracy Ham, nicknamed "The Human Wishbone," rushed for three touchdowns and led the Eagles to a dominant victory over the Youngstown State Penguins. This win solidified the Eagles' place among the FCS elite and showcased their offensive firepower.


5. 1985 National Championship Game vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers:


Date: December 14, 1985
Location: Kingsport, Tennessee
Score: Georgia Southern 17-14

This game marked the Eagles' first national championship appearance and the beginning of their golden era. In a close and thrilling contest, quarterback Tracy Ham threw the winning touchdown pass with just 1:24 remaining, sending the Eagles to their first national title and igniting the program's rise to prominence.


These are just a few games that have etched themselves in Georgia Southern Eagles football history. From national championship victories to thrilling upsets, these contests showcase the program's resilience, talent, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As the Eagles continue to soar, their legacy will surely be enriched with even more defining moments and unforgettable victories.

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The Georgia Southern Eagles football program boasts a proud and storied history, and their logos have evolved alongside their triumphs and challenges. Let's take a flight through the timeline of these iconic symbols:


Early Days (1909-1981):


1909-1924: Before the official Eagles nickname, early teams like "The Culture" sported various unofficial logos, often incorporating the school colors of blue and white.

1924-1981: The "Blue Tide" era saw the introduction of a simple blue and white "GS" monogram, sometimes accompanied by a wave or a sailor's hat, reflecting the university's location near the coast.

The Erk Russell Era and Rise to Prominence (1982-2010):


1982-1999: Enter the iconic "Eagle Head" logo, introduced under Coach Erk Russell. This stylized eagle, with its sharp beak and piercing gaze, symbolized the Eagles' newfound dominance in I-AA.


1999-2010: A slight modernization saw the eagle head adopt a more dynamic pose, with its wings spread and feathers flowing, conveying a sense of power and movement.

Transition to FBS and Modern Era (2011-Present):


2010-2016: As the Eagles set their sights on the FBS level, the logo evolved again, featuring the full eagle body perched atop the team name in a bold, modern font. This design emphasized the team's identity and unity.
2016-Present: The current logo represents a return to the eagle head, now rendered in a more detailed and three-dimensional style, capturing the bird's fierceness and determination. This design incorporates subtle nods to the program's history, like the blue and white stripes on the neck.

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The Georgia Southern Eagles football program, with its iconic blue turf and triple-option offense, boasts a unique and fascinating history. But where did it all begin?


Early Glimpses:


1909: The seeds of Eagles football were sown as early as 1909, with unofficial teams like "The Culture" playing local squads.
1924: The Eagles officially took flight, fielding their first continuous team under the nickname "Blue Tide."
1941: World War II grounded the program for nearly four decades, with players, like many Americans answering the call to duty.


Rebirth and Rise to Prominence:
1978: President Dale Lick, recognizing the potential of football for the university and community, championed the program's revival.
1981: Enter Erk Russell, a legendary defensive coordinator from the University of Georgia, tasked with building the Eagles from scratch.
1984: The Eagles, now sporting their iconic "Eagles" nickname, joined the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) ranks, ready to soar.

Golden Age under Erk Russell:


1985-2000: This period marked the Eagles' dominance in I-AA, capturing a record-setting six national championships under Coach Russell's leadership.
Triple-Option Takeover: The Eagles became synonymous with the innovative and exciting triple-option offense, led by stars like running backs Tracy Ham and Adrian Peterson.
"The Prettiest Little Stadium in America": Paulson Stadium, with its intimate atmosphere and iconic blue turf, became a beloved symbol of Eagles football.

Transition to FBS and Beyond:


2014: The Eagles embarked on a new chapter, joining the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Sun Belt Conference.
Facing New Challenges: The transition to FBS brought stiffer competition and adjustments to new rules, requiring the Eagles to adapt and evolve.
Sun Belt Champions: Demonstrating their resilience, the Eagles captured their first Sun Belt Conference title in their FBS debut season, proving their continued competitiveness.

Present and Future:


2023: The Eagles continue to soar in the Sun Belt, aiming for further conference championships and national recognition.
Developing Champions: The program emphasizes player development and academic success, nurturing well-rounded individuals both on and off the field.
A Legacy of Soaring: With a dedicated coaching staff, passionate fanbase, and rich traditions, the Georgia Southern Eagles football program is poised for continued success and exciting chapters in its ongoing story.

​ 2021 2021 Game 9 vs Coastal Carolina Right Side