The Air Force Falcons have built a proud tradition of athletic excellence through decades of competition. Known for their discipline and teamwork, the Air Force Falcons football and Air Force Falcons basketball programs have consistently showcased skill, sportsmanship, and dedication, earning national respect across collegiate athletics while representing the U.S. Air Force Academy.
College Sports Established
1855
Location
Colorado Springs, Colorado
College Name
United States Air Force Academy
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1925 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1999 - Present / Mountain West Conference
1980 – 1999 / Western Athletic Conference
1955 – 1979 / Independent
Nickname
Falcons - The Air Force Falcons are one of the most storied teams in college sports. As a member of the NCAA, they have been competing since 1957 and have earned numerous accolades throughout their history. But what is the origin story behind their nickname?
Air Force Falcons Origin
The name “Falcons” has its roots in military aviation, as it was first used to describe fighter pilots during World War I. During that period, squadrons were often referred to by birds such as hawks or falcons due to their speed and agility while flying through enemy territory. This connection between air power and bird names eventually became a popular culture, with movies like Top Gun using this same concept for naming their characters’ aircraft (Maverick being an F-14 Tomcat).
In 1954, when Air Force became a separate service branch from Army after WWII, they had no official mascot yet. Hence, they adopted a falcon based on these earlier associations with military aviators. The original design featured two wings coming out from either side of an eagle head, symbolizing strength through unity – something still seen today on many USAF insignias, including those worn by active duty personnel worldwide! And thus began decades of tradition associated with cheering on The Falcons at football games across America!
So whether you're rooting for your favorite team or just looking back at some fascinating history lessons about our nation's armed forces, be sure not to forget how far we've come thanks in part due to those brave men & women who serve us all proudly every day - Go Falcons!!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1979
- 1996
- 2003
- 2012
- 2010
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Training Years for Coach Gregg Popovich
Popovich returned to the Air Force Academy as an assistant coach in 1973 under head coach Hank Egan, a position he held for six years. Egan later became an assistant coach under Popovich for the San Antonio Spurs. During his time with the coaching staff of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Popovich attended the University of Denver and earned his ... -
Falcons Joined MWC
In 1996: The football team joins the newly formed Mountain West Conference (MWC), winning its first conference title in 1998. -
Falcon’s football team wins its third MWC title
In 2003: The football team finishes with a 12-1 record and a No. 20 ranking in the AP poll, winning its third MWC title and defeating Colorado State in the San Francisco Bowl. Quarterback Chance Harridge sets an NCAA record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 22. -
Falcon’s basketball team reaches its second NCAA Tournament
In 2012: The basketball team reaches its second NCAA Tournament, losing to Michigan State in the first round -
The Falcons Football wins Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy
In 2010: The football team finishes with a 9-4 record and defeats Georgia Tech in the Independence Bowl. The Falcons win their first Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy since 2002, awarded to the winner of the annual series among Air Force, Army, and Navy.
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.
Air Force Falcons History
The Air Force Falcons represent one of the most respected athletic programs in NCAA history. Competing with passion and discipline, they’ve built strong rivalries—especially against the Navy Midshipmen. Over the decades, the Air Force Falcons football and Air Force Falcons basketball programs have consistently demonstrated excellence, teamwork, and national recognition in collegiate sports.
The Air Force Falcons football program began in 1956 and made an instant impact, winning their first conference championship that same year and earning a berth in the Orange Bowl. Throughout the years, the Falcons added more conference titles in 1960, 1998, and 2002. They also celebrated victories in the 1985 Liberty Bowl and 2004 Emerald Bowl. Several players, including College Football Hall of Famer and Heisman Trophy winner Chad Hennings, helped cement the team’s elite reputation before advancing to successful NFL careers.
In Air Force Falcons basketball, the program has achieved steady growth since joining Division I play in 1973–74. The team captured five regular season championships and earned four NCAA Tournament appearances. Their most memorable run came during the 2017–18 season when they reached the Sweet Sixteen, facing powerhouse Villanova. Standout players like Mike Phelps, who scored over 1,700 career points before being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks, helped elevate the Falcons’ basketball program nationally.
Falcons Achievements
Beyond football and basketball, the Air Force hockey team has proudly represented the academy, reaching the Frozen Four six times since joining the WCHA in 1957. While they have yet to claim a national title, their competitive spirit and deep playoff runs have earned widespread respect. The soccer program has also flourished, earning 10 NCAA Tournament berths between 1996 and 2018 and producing numerous All-Americans who showcased the Falcons’ athletic excellence.
Today, the Air Force Falcons continue to thrive across multiple sports, maintaining a strong legacy of sportsmanship, service, and achievement. Both the Air Force Falcons football and Air Force Falcons basketball programs remain pillars of success, inspiring new generations of athletes who proudly represent the United States Air Force Academy on and off the field.
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