College Sports Established
1819
Location
Hamilton, New York
College Name
Colgate University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1986 - Present / Patriot League
1890 - 1986 / Independent
Nickname
Raiders - The Colgate Raiders have been a fixture in NCAA sports since the school's inception in 1890. The team is known for its fierce competitiveness and has developed a solid fan base over the years, with many fans curious about where the nickname came from.
The origin of this unique moniker dates back to 1921 when an alumnus named James A. Hamilton suggested it as part of an effort to honor former students who had served during World War I. He proposed that these soldiers be referred to as “Raiders” due to their brave actions on the battlefields and their willingness to take risks for freedom’s sake—a trait echoed by Colgate athletes today!
Since then, Raider pride has become synonymous with Colgate athletics, creating one of college sports' most recognizable nicknames along with mascots like Maroon Ray and Raider Red leading cheers at games throughout each season! The name also reflects courage and loyalty, which all true fans can appreciate regardless of whether they're cheering on or against their beloved Raiders!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1892
- 1932
- 1965
- 1990
- 2021
-
Colgate Football Takes the Field
In 1892 Colgate fielded its first football team, beginning a tradition of athletics at the university. -
Colgate Football Wins the National Championship
In 1932 Colgate football team wins the national championship, the program’s first and only title to date. -
Marv Hubbard Paves the Way for Future Raiders
In 1965 Marv Hubbard graduates from Colgate and goes on to have a successful NFL career with the Oakland Raiders. -
Colgate Men’s Basketball Wins Its First Patriot League Championship
In 1990 Colgate men’s basketball team wins its first-ever Patriot League championship and makes its first appearance in the NCAA tournament. -
Colgate Football Wins Third Straight Patriot League Championship
In 2021 Colgate football team wins its third straight Patriot League championship and advances to the FCS playoffs, showcasing the program’s continued success.
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 Raiders
Colgate’s football program began with just one game against Hamilton College in 1890. Since then, they’ve won five conference titles (1921, 1922; 1925; 1927; 1933) and appeared in 17 bowl games throughout its history – most recently at the 2016 FCS Championship Game, where they lost to James Madison University by a score of 31-14. The team also holds several individual records, such as the longest winning streak (25 wins from 1921–23), most consecutive shutouts (5 straight from 1924–26), and highest single-season win percentage (.917).
Offensively speaking, Colgate is no slouch, either! They boast two Heisman Trophy finalists: quarterback Greg Sullivan ('77-'78) was runner-up for his senior year performance while running back Jamaal Branch ('03-'04) finished third overall during his junior campaign before going on to play professionally with the Oakland Raiders organization after college graduation. Additionally, notable players include current NFL wide receiver Nate Eachus who played four seasons at Colgate between 2008-2012, along with defensive lineman Frank Beltre, drafted by New England Patriots last April following his senior year playing Raider football.
Throughout its 130+ years of existence as an NCAA Division I institution - both academically & athletically - there's no denying that Colgate is one school all sports fans should pay attention to! With so much success already achieved, seeing what this storied program can accomplish next will be exciting!
Sports Fan Products
