The Jacksonville State Gamecocks represent Jacksonville State University with a proud tradition in college sports. Known for their competitive spirit, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks football and Jacksonville State Gamecocks basketball programs have earned national recognition. With passionate fans and dedicated athletes, the Gamecocks continue to build a strong legacy across multiple sports at the NCAA level.
College Sports Established
1883
Location
Jacksonville, Alabama
College Name
Jacksonville State University
Collegiate History
1995 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1996 - 2003, 2021 - Present / ASUN Conference
2003 - 2021 / Ohio Valley Conference
Nickname
Gamecocks - The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are an NCAA Division I college football program that competes in the Ohio Valley Conference. The team has a long and storied history, with their nickname having origins dating back to the early 1900s.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Origin
The story of how the Jacksonville State Gamecocks got their name begins with an alumnus named William “Bill” Ellis attending classes at what is now known as Jacksonville State University (JSU). During his time there, he noticed several roosters on campus, often referred to by students as “Game Cocks” due to their fighting spirit and tenacity in protecting themselves from predators or other animals. This inspired Bill Ellis, who wanted something unique for JSU's athletic teams, so he proposed using this nickname for them during a student body meeting in 1924. His proposal was met with overwhelming support, and thus began, JSU's association with its iconic mascot - The Fighting Gamecock!
Since then, The Fighting Gamecock has become synonymous with JSU and all collegiate sports across America, representing strength, courage, and perseverance no matter what obstacles may come your way - just like those intrepid roosters did so many years ago! So next time you hear someone refer to our beloved school mascot, remember its roots – they go much further than most people think!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1946
- 1986
- 2018
- 2019
- 2021
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Jacksonville State basketball team is established
In 1946, the Jacksonville State basketball team was established. The team was created as part of the athletic program at Jacksonville State Teachers College, which is now known as Jacksonville State University. The team’s early years were marked by a lack of resources and a small fan base, but they gradually grew in popularity over time. During the 1950s and ... -
Keith Mckeller
McKeller was quite the athlete, playing basketball for four years for the Gamecocks before playing just one year of football. He went on to a nice NFL career where he caught 124 passes for 1,464 yards and 11 TDs, while also serving as a key blocker in the no-huddle K-Gun offense (named after him) that led the Bills to four ... -
Jacksonville State wins its third Ohio Valley Conference baseball championship
In 2018: Jacksonville State wins its third Ohio Valley Conference baseball championship and makes it to the NCAA Division I tournament for the third time in program history. -
Gamecocks win their fifth Ohio Valley Conference women’s soccer championship
In 2019, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks women’s soccer team won their fifth Ohio Valley Conference championship. The team finished the regular season with a 9-7-3 overall record and a 7-2-1 record in conference play, which was enough to clinch the regular-season title. In the conference tournament, the Gamecocks defeated Eastern Kentucky 1-0 in the semifinals before facing off against Southeast ... -
Gamecocks finish the spring football season with a 10-3 record
In 2021: The Gamecocks finish the spring football season with a 10-3 record and make it to the second round of the FCS playoffs.
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.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks History
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks have a proud and historic tradition in NCAA athletics. Founded in 1883, the university’s athletic programs date back to the early 20th century, with the Gamecocks officially joining the Ohio Valley Conference in 2003 before transitioning to the ASUN Conference in 2021 and later moving into Conference USA in 2023. The school competes at the NCAA Division I level and has built a reputation for consistent athletic success.
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks football program is one of the most recognized in the FCS era. Beginning play in 1904, the team has won multiple conference championships and claimed the 1992 NCAA Division II National Championship. The program rose to prominence at the FCS level with playoff runs, including a memorable appearance in the 2015 FCS National Championship game under quarterback Eli Jenkins. With their move to Conference USA, the Gamecocks now compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), continuing to expand their national presence.
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks basketball program also holds a strong place in school history. The men’s basketball team has captured multiple Ohio Valley Conference titles and earned NCAA Tournament appearances, including a landmark run in 2017 when the Gamecocks made their first NCAA Tournament appearance. Their consistent competitiveness has made them a respected program across the conference landscape.
Beyond football and basketball, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks excel in baseball, softball, and volleyball, consistently finishing among the top contenders in their leagues. The baseball team has appeared in numerous NCAA Regionals, while softball has become a powerhouse with several NCAA Tournament trips. These programs have elevated Jacksonville State’s reputation as a well-rounded athletic school.
Gamecocks Achievements
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks football team’s championships and postseason runs stand as some of the greatest moments in program history. Their transition into FBS football marks a major milestone, showing how far the program has come since its early days. Fans continue to celebrate these achievements while looking forward to even greater success in the coming years.
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks basketball team has also created lasting memories for the university. Their tournament appearances and strong conference play reflect the dedication of players and coaches. Together, football and basketball have built a foundation of excellence that ensures Jacksonville State remains a proud name in college athletics.
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