The Jacksonville Dolphins represent Jacksonville University with a strong tradition in collegiate athletics. Both Jacksonville Dolphins basketball and Jacksonville Dolphins football have achieved success over the years, winning conference titles and producing standout athletes. This history page highlights key milestones, memorable seasons, and the legacy of excellence that defines Jacksonville Dolphins sports programs.
College Sports Established
1934
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
College Name
Jacksonville University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1967 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1998 - Present / ASUN Conference
1976 - 1998 / Sun Belt Conference
1967 - 1976 / Independent
Nickname
Dolphins - The Jacksonville Dolphins are one of the most successful NCAA teams, having won multiple championships and produced some of the best players in college football. But where did their nickname come from?
Jacksonville Dolphins Origin
The origins of the Jacksonville Dolphins' nickname go back to 1969 when a group of students at what was then known as Florida Junior College decided they wanted to start their team. After much debate, they settled on "Dolphins" because they represented strength and agility—qualities that any good sports team should possess. The name also paid homage to nearby St. Johns River, home to many dolphins yearly during migration season.
Since then, the Jacksonville Dolphins have become an integral part of college football culture in Northeast Florida and beyond, with its iconic blue-and-gold uniforms being instantly recognizable across all levels of collegiate athletics today! With such a strong history behind them – not only for their success but also for how well they embody those qualities associated with dolphins – it’s no wonder why so many fans have stuck by this program through thick or thin over these past few decades!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1930
- 1958
- 1970
- 2009
- 2020
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Jacksonville University fields its first football team.
In 1930, Jacksonville University (then known as Jacksonville Junior College) fielded its first football team. The team was coached by J. Ollie Edmunds, who would later become the university’s president. The team played a six-game schedule against other junior colleges and high schools in Florida. Their first game was played on October 11, 1930, against Fletcher High School, which the ... -
The Jacksonville University men’s basketball team makes it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time
In 1958, the Jacksonville University men’s basketball team, led by head coach Joe Williams, made it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. The team finished the regular season with a record of 19-7 and won the Sun Belt Conference championship to earn an automatic bid to the tournament. In the first round of the tournament, ... -
The Jacksonville University baseball team wins their first NCAA Division II National Championship
In 1970, the Jacksonville University baseball team won their first NCAA Division II National Championship. The team was coached by Dusty Rhodes, who had also played for the Jacksonville Dolphins baseball team in the 1950s. The team finished the season with a record of 36-5 and qualified for the NCAA Division II tournament as the top-ranked team in the South. ... -
The Jacksonville University football team wins their first Pioneer Football League championship
In 2009, the Jacksonville University football team won their first Pioneer Football League championship. The team was coached by Kerwin Bell, who had played quarterback for the University of Florida in the 1980s before going on to a professional career in the NFL and CFL. Under Bell’s leadership, the Jacksonville Dolphins finished the regular season with a record of 9-3 ... -
Jacksonville University football team left the Pioneer Football League
In 2020 – The Jacksonville University football team announces they will be leaving the Pioneer Football League to join the Big South Conference.
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.
Jacksonville Dolphins History
The Jacksonville Dolphins have a rich history in NCAA sports, particularly in their rivalry with the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles. Established in 1998, the Jacksonville Dolphins football team began as a non-scholarship program. Over the years, they transitioned to NCAA Division I, joining the Pioneer Football League in 2001. The Jacksonville Dolphins football team achieved notable success, including a 10-1 season in 2010, marking their best record during this era.
The Dolphins basketball program also boasts a storied past. Competing in various conferences, including the Sun Belt and Atlantic Sun, the Jacksonville Dolphins basketball team has participated in multiple NCAA tournaments. Their most significant achievement came in 1970 when they reached the NCAA Final Four, led by legendary center Artis Gilmore.
Dolphins Achievements
In Jacksonville Dolphins football, the pinnacle was the 2010 season, where they secured a 10-1 record. This success was highlighted by a victory in the 2008 Gridiron Classic, the team's sole bowl appearance. Despite challenges in later years, including a 2-8 record in 2018, the program demonstrated resilience and competitive spirit.
The Jacksonville Dolphins basketball team has had several standout seasons. Their 1970 Final Four appearance remains a historic milestone. In recent years, the team has continued to be competitive within their conference, consistently challenging top-tier opponents and striving for NCAA tournament berths.
The Dolphins have made significant contributions to collegiate athletics. The Jacksonville Dolphins football program, though discontinued in 2019, left a lasting legacy with its competitive seasons and the development of players who went on to professional careers. The Jacksonville Dolphins basketball team continues to be a source of pride, with a dedicated fan base and a commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
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