College Sports Established
1912
Location
Memphis, Tennessee
College Name
University of Memphis
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1928 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2013 - Present / American Athletic Conference
1995 - 2013 / Conference USA
1973 - 1996 / Independent
1968 - 1973 / Missouri Valley Conference
1941 - 1968 - Independent
1935 - 1941 / Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association
1928 - 1934 / Mississippi Valley Conference
Nickname
Tigers - Regarding college sports, the Memphis Tigers have a long and storied history. From their days as an independent school in the late 1800s to becoming members of Conference USA in 2013, they’ve been a powerhouse on the field for decades. But where did their nickname come from? Let’s take a look at how this iconic moniker got its start.
The origins of Memphis' beloved mascot can be traced back to 1909 when football coach William Humes chose "Tigers" as his team's name after seeing an advertisement for Clemson University's teams which were then known as “The Tigers." The idea was that if one successful program could use such an intimidating name, why couldn't another? And so began one of college sports' most recognizable nicknames: The Memphis Tigers!
Since then, several variations of the classic tiger logo have been used by different teams. No matter which version you see today, it all points back to that original decision made over 100 years ago. While some may argue about whether or not tigers are native animals found in Tennessee (they aren't), there is no doubt that this fierce animal has become synonymous with strength and courage – two qualities every great athlete needs!
As we move into 2020 and beyond, we will continue seeing these proud felines prowling around Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium during home games while providing fans with plenty of excitement throughout each season - something they've done since first taking up residence nearly 111 years ago! So next time you're cheering on your favorite Tiger squad, remember just how far they've come since Coach Humes decided he wanted his team named after those brave Clemson cats... Go TIGERS!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1939
- 1994
- 2008
- 2014
- 2019
-
Tigers becomes the official nickname for the University of Memphis
In 1939: The nickname Tigers becomes the official nickname for the University of Memphis. -
Pro Football Hall of Fame – Issac Bruce
Bruce originally signed his letter of intent to play college football for the Purdue Boilermakers in 1990, but his SAT scores were too low for Purdue to accept him. Bruce then decided to attend West Los Angeles College, then to Santa Monica College before transferring to Memphis University. In 1992, Bruce’s first year with Memphis, he had 39 receptions for ... -
The men’s basketball team reaches the NCAA championship game
In 2008: The men’s basketball team reaches the NCAA championship game for the second time, losing to Kansas in overtime. -
The football team wins its second conference championship in AAC
In 2014: The football team wins its second conference championship in AAC. -
The football team wins its third conference championship in AAC
In 2019: The football team wins its third conference championship in AAC and plays in the Cotton Bowl, its first New Year’s Six bowl game.
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 Tigers
In 1959, Memphis won its first national championship when it defeated Arkansas State 28-20 for the National Invitation Tournament title under head coach Billy J. Murphy Jr., becoming just one of two schools from outside New York City to win at Madison Square Garden during that era (the other being Minnesota). This victory marked an essential moment for Memphis athletics and African Americans across America, who were finally beginning to get recognition on a larger scale within collegiate sports programs throughout the country.
From there, Memphis would go on to become known nationally due to its success on both sides of the ball, with great players such as DeAngelo Williams and Patrick Willis leading them through various bowl games over recent years, including wins against BYU (2005 Liberty Bowl) and South Carolina (2007 Liberty Bowl). In addition to these accomplishments, they've also made several appearances at March Madness tournaments, with their most notable run coming back in 1985, where they advanced all way up until Elite Eight before falling short against eventual champion Villanova University Wildcats led by Ed Pinckney's “Perfect Game” performance which is still talked about today among basketball fanatics alike!
Overall though, what makes this program so unique is how passionate its fanbase has remained over time despite numerous ups & downs – something truly unique compared to many other college teams! Whether you're cheering them towards another conference title or watching reruns of classic games like the '85 tournament run, it's clear why Tigers continue to draw support from near far each year: because deep down, we know no matter what happens, our beloved team always puts the best foot forward come a game day...and isn't that all us can ask?
Sports Fan Products
