College Sports Established
1911
Location
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
College Name
Middle Tennessee State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1922 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2013 - Present / Conference USA
2001 - 2012 / Sun Belt Conference
1999 - 2000 / Independent
1952 - 1998 / Ohio Valley Conference
1911 - 1951 / Independent
Nickname
Blue Raiders - The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders are one of the most beloved teams in college sports, and their nickname has a long history that dates back to the 1920s. The team was originally known as the Normalites, after the nearby Middle Tennessee State Normal School (now MTSU). But when football coach Lester Barnard arrived at MTSU in 1925, he wanted something more exciting than “Normalites” for his team. He settled on “Blue Raiders” because it had a better ring and because blue is associated with bravery and courage.
This decision proved an excellent choice: The Blue Raiders have become one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision history since joining Conference USA in 2013. They've won four conference championships during this span and made three trips to bowl games—including two New Year's Six bowls!
In addition to having an excellent nickname, what makes being part of Raider Nation so unique is its passionate fan base, who show up game after the game wearing their favorite blue-and-white gear while cheering loudly for their favorite players. So if you're looking for some great college football action combined with plenty of school spirit, then join us at Floyd Stadium this fall as we cheer on our beloved Blue Raiders!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1995
- 2001
- 2006
- 2009
- 2016
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Kelly Holcomb Football achievements
Kelly Holcomb is a former football player who played quarterback for the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders from 1992 to 1995. He is one of the most successful and decorated quarterbacks in the history of the Blue Raiders football program. Holcomb set numerous school and conference records during his time at Middle Tennessee. He finished his career as the school’s all-time ... -
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders men’s basketball team wins the Sun Belt Conference
In 2001: The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders men’s basketball team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. -
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship
In 2006: The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship, earning a spot in the Motor City Bowl, which they win over Central Michigan University. -
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders women’s basketball team wins the Sun Belt Conference
In 2009: The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders women’s basketball team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. -
One of the biggest upsets in the history of the tournament
In 2016: The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders men’s basketball team upsets the second-seeded Michigan State Spartans in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, marking one of the biggest upsets in the history of the tournament.
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 Blue Raiders
The football program began in 1911 and has had its share of success, including two Sun Belt Conference Championships (2000 & 2017) and six bowl appearances since 2000. The team is currently coached by Rick Stockstill, who led them to four consecutive bowl games from 2014-2017.
On the basketball court, Middle Tennessee State University boasts an impressive record that includes multiple NCAA tournament appearances since 1989 when they first made it into March Madness with their win over Kentucky in 1990's Sweet Sixteen game - one of their biggest highlights ever! They've also produced several NBA stars, such as former All-Star Bruce Bowen and current Philadelphia 76ers guard Josh Richardson.
Not only are they successful on the field but off it too; MTSU students consistently rank amongst top academic performers nationally each year due to strong support from faculty members like John Epperson, who was recently named President Emeritus after serving at MTSU for nearly 25 years! This commitment towards excellence ensures that all student-athletes receive a quality education while competing at the highest levels possible within the collegiate sports world today!
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