College Sports Established
1747
Location
Princeton, New Jersey
College Name
Princeton University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1954 - Present / Ivy League
Nickname
Tigers - The Princeton Tigers have long been an iconic symbol of collegiate sports excellence. But did you know that the origin of their nickname dates back to the late 1800s? It's a story steeped in tradition and full of surprises!
In 1867, when Princeton University first adopted its orange and black colors, they chose not any old animal as their mascot but a Bengal tiger. This was due to William Roper’s poem “Princeton in Triumph,” which depicted a Bengal Tiger leading students from Nassau Hall into battle against Harvard Crimson (which were then called Red Coats). The poem ended with: “Roar, Tiger roar; let your voice be heard!” From this moment on, the tigers became part of Princeton lore.
Fast forward over 100 years later - In 1983, when NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship began to play at Princeton Stadium under Head Coach Bob Casciola, who had just arrived from Yale University – he brought his beloved bulldog mascot named "Tiger." Though initially met with resistance by some alumni who felt it wasn't true to school spirit or tradition, Coach Casciola quickly changed minds by introducing what is now known as one of college football's most famous mascots - Teddy Roosevelt riding atop his trusty steed 'Tiger.' For generations, this image has become synonymous with the team name and school pride.
While other universities may change their nicknames every few decades depending on current trends or fads, it appears that 'The Tigers' are here to stay until someone comes up with something better! So next time you cheer for your favorite team, don't forget how far back these origins go, showing us how traditions can last through many eras if we care for them properly. Go Tigers!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1893
- 1910
- 1996
- 2018
- 2019
-
Princeton wins its first football national championship
In 1893, Princeton’s football team had an undefeated season, winning all 11 of its games. Led by head coach Charley Caldwell and team captain Edgar Allan Poe (a distant relative of the famous poet), the Tigers outscored their opponents 270-14. This dominant performance earned them recognition as national champions by several selectors of the time, including Parke H. Davis, who ... -
Hobey Baker Era – Hobey Baker Memorial Award
Hobey Baker is indeed considered one of the greatest college athletes of all time. He played football and hockey at Princeton from 1910-1914 and was a standout in both sports. On the football field, Baker was a running back and a kicker, known for his speed and agility. On the ice, he was a skilled forward and an excellent stick-handler. ... -
Princeton Tigers men’s basketball team made it to the first round of the NCAA tournament
In 1996, the Princeton Tigers men’s basketball team made it to the first round of the NCAA tournament as a 13th seed and were matched up against the 4th-seeded UCLA Bruins, who were the defending national champions. Many people expected UCLA to win easily, but Princeton had other plans. The Tigers played a deliberate style of offense that frustrated the ... -
Princeton’s women’s soccer team reaches the NCAA
In 2018: Princeton’s women’s soccer team reaches the NCAA championship game but falls to Florida State. -
Princeton’s women’s basketball team wins its 26th Ivy League championship
In 2019: Princeton’s women’s basketball team wins its 26th Ivy League championship, the most in conference history.
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.
History of the Tigers
Some of college sport’s most legendary athletes have donned the orange-and-black uniform throughout its long history – including Bill Bradley (basketball), Dick Kazmaier (football), Bob Scott (lacrosse), and many others who went on to become professional stars or Olympic gold medalists. The list goes on!
In addition to these individual achievements, Princeton has also been home to several iconic team accomplishments as well: winning two consecutive National Collegiate Basketball Championships in 1965 and 1966; capturing six straight Ivy League Football Titles from 1964–1969; becoming only one of three schools ever crowned men's lacrosse champions four times in five years between 1992–1996; plus numerous other conference titles earned by both men’s and women’s squads alike over their respective histories at Princeton University.
For any avid fan looking for an exciting team with plenty of accolades under its belt – look no further than the proud tradition represented by each member wearing those orange-and-black uniforms proudly representing “Old Nassau." Go Tigers!
Sports Fan Products
