The Morehead State Eagles represent Morehead State University in NCAA athletics with a strong legacy across multiple sports. Known for their success in Morehead State Eagles football and Morehead State Eagles baseball, the Eagles have built a proud tradition of competition, excellence, and teamwork that continues to inspire athletes and fans across generations.
College Sports Established
1922
Location
Morehead, Kentucky
College Name
Morehead State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1948 - Present / Ohio Valley Conference
1931 - 1948 / Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
1922 - 1930 / Independent
Nickname
Eagles - The Morehead State Eagles have represented the university since 1954, but where did their name come from? The answer is rooted in the school’s history and its location.
Morehead State University was founded in 1887 as a private liberal arts college called Morehead Normal School. It was named after John Jordan Morehead III, who served on Kentucky's Board of Education for 25 years and had donated land to help create what became MSU.
Morehead State Eagles Origin
In 1921, it changed its name to Morehead State Teachers College before becoming an independent public institution of higher education in 1966 with its current name: More Head State University (MSU). As part of transitioning from a teacher's college to a full-fledged university, the school also changed its mascot from “the Maroon” to “the Eagle."
The eagle symbolizes strength and power, which are traits that represent MSU students well! Not only does it reflect our proud heritage, but it also serves as an inspiration for all those associated with MSU athletics programs – student-athletes and fans alike! With such powerful symbolism behind them, it’s no surprise that many consider the Eagles one of NCAA Division I's most iconic nicknames!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1923
- 1961
- 1975
- 2021
-
Morehead State forms its first football team
In 1923 Morehead State forms its first football team, which competes against other small colleges in the region. -
Eagles Joining the Ohio Valley Conference
In 1961 Morehead State joins the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) and begins competing against larger schools in the region. -
Wayne Martin as head basketball coach
In 1975 Morehead State hires Wayne Martin as head basketball coach. Martin would go on to coach the Eagles for 21 seasons and become the winningest coach in school history. -
Morehead State NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament
In 2021 Morehead State wins its first-ever NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament game, defeating James Madison 2-1 in the first round before losing to Marshall in the second round.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Morehead State Eagles History
The Morehead State Eagles have proudly represented Morehead State University in NCAA athletics for over a century. Established in 1921, the university began competing as an independent program before becoming a founding member of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) in 1948. Since then, the Morehead State Eagles have been a vital part of college sports, known for their competitiveness, school spirit, and dedication to athletic excellence.
The Morehead State Eagles basketball program has been one of the most successful in the university’s history. Since joining Division I play, the Eagles have made five NCAA Tournament appearances, with their most recent trip to March Madness coming in 2015. They have also claimed multiple OVC regular-season and tournament titles, showcasing their consistency and growth. One of the program’s proudest achievements came in 1962 when the Eagles captured a national championship at the college division level, solidifying their place among Kentucky’s elite basketball programs.
Beyond their collective accomplishments, the Morehead State Eagles have produced standout athletes who made their mark at the professional level. Basketball legends Kenneth Faried and Corie Blount both played for the Eagles before advancing to the NBA. Their success elevated the reputation of Morehead State Eagles basketball as a strong developmental ground for future stars. These players brought national attention to Morehead State, inspiring new generations of student-athletes.
Eagles Achievements
The Morehead State Eagles baseball team has also contributed significantly to the university’s athletic tradition. Known for their resilience and competitive play, the Morehead State Eagles baseball program has produced several exceptional talents who went on to succeed professionally. Among the most notable alumni are Barry Larkin and Doug Drabek, both of whom had outstanding Major League Baseball careers. The Eagles’ success on the diamond highlights the university’s ability to cultivate excellence across multiple sports.
The Morehead State Eagles football program holds a proud history as one of the few non-scholarship teams competing at the FCS level. The Morehead State Eagles football team has captured multiple conference championships and is known for its disciplined play and passionate fan base. The program has produced talented athletes who made an impact beyond college, including Phil Simms, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the New York Giants. Their continued efforts have strengthened the legacy of Eagles athletics across the nation.
Throughout their long history, the Morehead State Eagles have embodied the true spirit of collegiate sports — hard work, unity, and perseverance. Whether through thrilling Morehead State Eagles basketball victories, remarkable Morehead State Eagles football performances, or standout Morehead State Eagles baseball achievements, the university continues to inspire pride in Kentucky and beyond. The Eagles’ unwavering commitment to excellence ensures their place as one of the most respected programs in NCAA athletics.
