College Sports Established
1913
Location
Statesboro, Georgia
College Name
Georgia Southern University
Collegiate History
1976 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1976 - 1983, 2014 - Present / Sun Belt Conference
2001 - 2005 / ASUN Conference
1983 - 2001 / Trans America Athletic Conference
Nickname
Panthers - The Georgia State Panthers are one of the country's most recognizable college sports teams. With a long and storied history, it's no surprise that their nickname has become synonymous with excellence. But where did this iconic moniker come from? Let’s examine how the Georgia State Panthers got their name!
It all began when then-President Dr. Carl Vinson decided to create an athletic program for his school in 1933. He wanted something representing strength and courage, so he chose “Panthers” as its mascot - because panthers were known to be fierce yet graceful hunters who ruled over their domain with power and agility. This was perfect for what he envisioned: A team of strong competitors who could dominate on the field while still displaying grace under pressure during competition.
From there, everything else fell into place – including uniforms featuring black jerseys adorned by white pants (a nod to traditional Panther colors) and a logo featuring an intimidating snarling cat head above-crossed swords (symbolizing strength). Today these symbols have become synonymous with success throughout NCAA athletics – thanks mainly to decades of hard work by coaches, players, and fans alike! So next time you cheer on your favorite team or wear your GSU gear proudly, know that you're supporting more than just another university; You're honoring generations upon generations of Panther pride too!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1956
- 1972
- 2008
- 2022
-
Oldest Sport Played at Georgia State
In 1956, the Panthers began a baseball team, the oldest sport played at Georgia State. Prior to joining the NCAA, no scholarships were given and no sports were part of any national affiliate. -
GSU Sports Arena
The Panthers previously played their home games at the GSU Sports Arena, located at 125 Decatur Street in the heart of the Georgia State campus. The facility was originally built in 1972 as a student gym and classroom space for physical education classes -
Georgia State Launched Football Program
On April 17, 2008, Georgia State launched its football program. On June 12, 2008, former Georgia Tech, Alabama, and Kentucky head coach Bill Curry was named as the Georgia State head coach, working on a 5-year contract. -
Basketball Coach Jonas Hayes
On April 11, 2022, Jonas Hayes was officially introduced as Georgia State’s men’s basketball head coach. Hayes spent the previous four seasons as an assistant coach at Xavier. On March 16, 2022, Hayes was named interim head coach for Xavier, where he led the program to its first NIT championship in 64 years. Xavier’s unexpected run in the NIT included ...
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 Panthers
Throughout its history, Georgia State has won numerous conference titles and made multiple appearances at NCAA tournaments across all sports divisions – including men’s basketball (7), women’s volleyball (2), baseball (1), and softball (1). They also boast several individual athletes who earned All-American honors while playing for GSU – most notably former NBA player Charles Smith III who was named an All-American during his time with the team from 1988–1992.
In addition to their success on the court or field, GSU is known for producing some of college football's best players - such as future NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who played cornerback for them from 1985–1989 before being drafted by Atlanta Falcons fifth overall in 1989 draft; current Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley; current Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes II; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson among many others that went onto play professionally after leaving GSU! Unsurprisingly, they've become one of America's top collegiate programs since joining Division I in 1986!
As we look ahead into 2021 & beyond, there is much excitement surrounding this program which continues to strive towards excellence both academically & athletically - making them one of our nation’s premier universities when it comes to competing at the highest level collegiate sports! So don't miss out chance see what makes up part Panther pride next time you're near campus cheering your favorite teams on game day!!
Sports Fan Products
