The Portland State Vikings have built a respected legacy in NCAA athletics through decades of determination and success. With a proud Portland State Vikings football history and a growing Portland State Vikings basketball program, the university’s teams showcase talent, teamwork, and perseverance, inspiring fans across Oregon and beyond every season.
College Sports Established
1946
Location
Portland, Oregon
College Name
Portland State University
Collegiate History
1996 - Present / NCAA Division I-AA/FCS
1981 - 1995 / NCAA Division II
1978 - 1980 / NCAA Division I-AA
1973 - 1977 / NCAA Division II
1958 - 1972 / NCAA College Division
Conference History
1996 – Present / Big Sky Conference
1993 - 1995 / NCAA Division II independent
1982 - 1992 / Western Football Conference
1981 / NCAA Division II independent
1978 - 1980 / NCAA Division I-AA independent
1973 - 1977 / NCAA Division II independent
1965 - 1972 / NCAA College Division independent
1950 - 1964 / Oregon Collegiate Conference
1947 - 1949 / Independent
Nickname
Vikings - The Portland State Vikings have been a staple of the NCAA for many years, but where did their nickname come from? The origin of the Portland State Vikings nickname is steeped in history and tradition.
Portland State Vikings Origin
It all began in 1947 when a group of students at what was then called Vanport College decided to form an athletic team. They chose “Vikings” as their mascot because they felt it represented strength and courage - two traits they wanted to embody on the field.
From there, the name stuck and has been with them ever since! In 1951, Vanport College became known as Portland State University (PSU), so naturally, its athletic teams were rebranded accordingly: The PSU Vikings were born! Today this proud moniker remains unchanged; however, some minor adjustments have occurred over time, such as adding official colors or changing logos slightly.
As you can see, Viking pride runs deep at PSU – something passed down through generations of students who proudly represent their school each year on game day! So next time you’re cheering for your favorite college sports team – don’t forget those mighty Norsemen from up north: Go Vikes!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1946
- 1966
- 2007
- 2010
- 2019
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Portland State Vikings football program is established
In 1946 The Portland State Vikings football program is established and played its first season as a junior college team. In 1951 Portland State becomes a four-year college and the football program moved up to the college level. -
Portland State Vikings men’s basketball team wins the NAIA District Championship
In 1966, the Portland State Vikings men’s basketball team won the NAIA District Championship. This was the first conference championship in the program’s history. They went on to compete in the NAIA National Tournament but were eliminated in the first round. -
The Portland State Vikings men’s basketball team wins the Big Sky Conference
In 2007, the Portland State Vikings men’s basketball team had a historic season by winning the Big Sky Conference championship for the first time in school history. They finished the regular season with a 23-9 record and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, they upset the #4 seed University of ... -
Julius Thomas – two-time All-Big Sky selection
Julius Thomas (2006-2010): Tight end who was a two-time All-Big Sky selection and set school records for career receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He went on to play in the NFL for eight seasons, primarily with the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars. -
Portland State Vikings football team finishes the season with a 5-7 record
In 2019: The Portland State Vikings football team finishes the season with a 5-7 record, their best since 2015.
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Portland State Vikings History
The Portland State Vikings have built a proud tradition in NCAA athletics, competing strongly in both Portland State Vikings football and Portland State Vikings basketball. Their rivalry matchups, regional games, and presence in the Big Sky have cemented their place in the collegiate sports world. Over time, the Vikings have evolved from a regional program into a Division I contender.
The Portland State Vikings football program traces its origins to 1947, when the team competed as a small college outfit. In the years that followed, Portland State rose through the ranks, eventually playing in Division II and then moving to Division I (FCS) in 1996. During the Division II era, under coach Pokey Allen, the Vikings recorded back-to-back 11-win seasons in 1987 and 1988, reaching the national title game both years and going 22–5–2 over that span.
Portland State also earned conference success in those years, capturing Western Football Conference titles with perfect conference records. Later, as a member of the Big Sky, the Portland State Vikings football team has made postseason appearances including in 2000 and 2015 (0–2 record in I-AA / FCS playoffs) and has played under notable coaches like Jerry Glanville (2007-2009).
Turning to the court, Portland State Vikings basketball competes in the Big Sky Conference and has appeared twice in the NCAA Division I tournament (2008, 2009) with a combined 0–2 record. The program also achieved conference success: two regular season titles and two tournament titles, making the Vikings a consistent contender in Big Sky play. Under coach Ken Bone, the program rebuilt and in 2007–08 posted one of its finest seasons, finishing 23–9 and capturing an automatic bid.
Over the years, the Portland State Vikings have weathered periods of transition. The football program has adapted to the higher demands of Division I FCS, while the basketball team has sometimes struggled to sustain postseason success. Yet both programs remain committed to growth, passion, and competing at a high level.
Vikings Achievements
In Portland State Vikings football, the two national title game appearances (1987, 1988) during the Division II era remain standout highlights. The Vikings also claimed perfect conference seasons and earned respect for their consistency under coaches like Pokey Allen. In the FCS era, their playoff appearances in 2000 and 2015 demonstrated their ability to reach postseason competition at a higher level.
On the Portland State Vikings basketball side, the program’s two NCAA tournament appearances (2008, 2009) mark major achievements in its history. The Vikings also captured two regular season conference titles and two tournament championships, demonstrating that Portland State Vikings basketball can compete under pressure.
Today, the Portland State Vikings represent resilience and ambition. From their early years as a regional program, through their standout seasons in football and basketball, the Vikings continue making strides. Whether in Portland State Vikings football or Portland State Vikings basketball, the legacy lives on—energized by fans, players, and the promise of future triumphs.
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