College Sports Established
1980
Location
Boca Raton, Florida
College Name
Florida Atlantic University
Collegiate History
1994 - Present / NCAA Division I
1984 - 1993 / NCAA Division II
1980 - 1983 / NAIA District 25
Conference History
2023 - / American Athletic Conference
2014 - 2023 / Conference USA
2007 - 2013 / Sun Belt Conference
1994 - 2006 / Trans America Athletic Conference
1980 - 1993 / Independent
Nickname
Owls - For many sports fans, the Florida Atlantic Owls are a beloved team with an exciting history. But what’s the origin story behind their unique nickname? Let’s take a look at how this NCAA powerhouse got its name!
The Florida Atlantic Owls have been around since 2001 when they joined Conference USA as part of NCAA Division I-A football. After considering several other options, like Sharks and Pelicans, the university chose “Owls.” Ultimately, they chose Owls due to its association with wisdom and knowledge – values FAU holds dear in all aspects of life on campus.
Additionally, owls were chosen for their connection to the local environment: South Florida is home to numerous species of these majestic birds! It was also believed that having an owl mascot would give FAU a competitive edge over rival schools with more traditional mascots, such as lions or tigers.
From then out, it was only natural for FAU students and alumni alike to embrace “Owl Nation." Fans show up decked out in blue & red apparel featuring our feathered friend whenever possible – from tailgates before games through post-game celebrations after wins! As we continue into another exciting season full of potential victories ahead for our beloved team - let us remember why we love them so much: because they are wise beyond measure, just like their namesake suggests - Go Owls!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1984
- 2000
- 2005
- 2010
- 2013
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FAU Owls baseball team is founded
In 1984: The FAU Owls baseball team is founded. The team plays its first game on February 17, 1984, against Nova Southeastern University. -
The FAU Owls football team is founded
In 2000: The FAU Owls football team is founded. The team plays its first game on September 1, 2001, against Slippery Rock University. -
FAU Owls baseball team wins the Atlantic Sun Conference championship
In 2005: The FAU Owls baseball team wins the Atlantic Sun Conference championship, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. -
Alfred Morris – Football Pro of Owls
Alfred Morris is a former running back who played football for the FAU Owls from 2007 to 2011. Morris is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in FAU football history. As a freshman in 2007, Morris quickly established himself as a standout player, rushing for 928 yards and seven touchdowns. He followed up that impressive debut with even ... -
FAU Owls football team wins the Conference USA championship
2013: The FAU Owls football team wins the Conference USA championship, earning a spot in the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl, which they win over East Carolina University.
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 Owls
Over the years, FAU has had some impressive players on their roster, including Heisman Trophy winner Devin Singletary who played for three seasons from 2016 to 2018 and was named C-USA's Offensive Player of the Year twice during his tenure with FAU. The team also produced NFL stars such as wide receiver Jarett Dillard who set records while playing for Rice University after transferring from FAU following his junior season with them in 2008.
In recent years under head coach Lane Kiffin’s leadership since 2017, FAU has seen even more success both on and off the field, culminating in winning two consecutive Conference USA Championships, which earned them invitations to play at prestigious bowl games like Boca Raton Bowl against UCF Knights last year where they won by a scoreline 28–10. The 2019 season saw another stellar performance by quarterback Chris Robison who threw over 3200 yards leading him to be named MVP for that year’s championship game against UAB Blazers, resulting in yet another win(49–6)for Florida Atlantic Owls, thus becoming only second school ever to win back-to-back titles consecutively within the same division.
Florida Atlantic is worth checking out for any college football fan looking for a great program full of exciting moments!
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