The Missouri Tigers represent one of the most competitive athletic programs in college sports. Known for their strong performances in Missouri Tigers football and Missouri Tigers basketball, the team has built a reputation for excellence. Competing in the SEC, the Tigers have produced many legendary players and unforgettable championship moments over the decades.
College Sports Established
1907
Location
Columbia, Missouri
College Name
University of Missouri
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2012 – Present / SEC Conference
1996 - 2012 / Big 12
1928 – 1996 / Big Eight Conference
1907 - 1928 / Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Nickname
Tigers - The Missouri Tigers are one of the most storied teams in NCAA history, and their nickname has a fascinating origin story. The University of Missouri's athletic teams were originally known as the "Missouri Miners" when they began competing in 1890. The name was chosen to honor the state's rich mining heritage, but it wasn't long before another moniker became popular among fans: "Tigers."
Missouri Tigers Origin
It all started with an editorial written by Chester Lister, a sports editor for the Columbia Missourian newspaper who had recently attended an MU football game against Iowa State College. His article described how hard-hitting and ferocious Mizzou players were on defense - like tigers! From then on out, students and alumni embraced this new nickname for their beloved team, even though it was never officially adopted until 1939 (when Mizzou joined what is now known as Division I athletics).
Today you can still find references to both nicknames around campus - from banners hanging inside Faurot Field that spell out “MIZZOU MINERS” to 'M-I-Z Z-O-U TIGERS' chants at every home game – ensuring that no matter which names you choose to call them by; everyone knows exactly who they're rooting for!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 1
1954
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1954
- 1978
- 1997
- 2007
- 2012
- 2020
-
College World Series Champ 1954 for the Tigers
In the first round, Missouri defeated the Lafayette Leopards by a score of 6-3. Missouri was then knocked into the loser’s bracket after a 1-4 second-round loss to Art Brophy and Rollins College. Behind lefthander Ed Cook, the Tigers then defeated the UMass Minutemen 8-1. Missouri defeated Oklahoma A&M Aggies 7-3 behind a strong outing from starting pitcher Norm Stewart ... -
Missouri Tigers – Kellen Winslow
A native of East St. Louis, Ill., Kellen Winslow redefined the tight end position at the collegiate and professional levels during his playing career. At MU, he caught 71 passes for 1,089 yards and 10 TD’s from 1976-78, earning All-Big Eight honors in 1977 and `78, and consensus all-America status as a senior. He went on to play in the ... -
Missouri Tigers football wins the Big 12 Conference championship
In 1997: The Missouri Tigers football team, led by coach Larry Smith, wins the Big 12 Conference championship. -
Coach Gary Pinkel Lead to the Big 12 North Division title
In 2007: The Missouri Tigers football team, led by coach Gary Pinkel, wins the Big 12 North Division title and plays in the program’s first-ever Big 12 Championship Game. -
Missouri officially moves to the Southeastern Conference (SEC)
In 2012: Missouri officially moves to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) from the Big 12 Conference. -
Missouri’s men’s basketball team appearance in the NCAA
In 2020: Missouri’s men’s basketball team, led by coach Cuonzo Martin, makes its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2018.
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.
Missouri Tigers History
The Missouri Tigers have built one of the most respected traditions in NCAA sports, dating back to the formation of their first Missouri Tigers football team in 1890. Since then, the Tigers have earned a reputation for excellence and resilience, often facing fierce rivals like the Arkansas Razorbacks. Over the years, the program has secured 11 national titles across multiple sports, proving its strength and consistency in college athletics.
The Missouri Tigers football team made early waves with dominant performances throughout the 20th century. Under legendary coaches like Don Faurot, who invented the “Split-T” formation, Missouri became a strategic powerhouse. The team saw tremendous success in the 1960s with multiple conference championships and bowl appearances. More recently, the Tigers made significant strides after joining the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2012, winning SEC East Division titles in 2013 and 2014.
Meanwhile, Missouri Tigers basketball has been a consistent force on the national stage. The Tigers captured multiple Big 8 regular-season and tournament championships and made deep NCAA Tournament runs. Between 2002 and 2007, the program won three conference tournament titles and advanced to the Elite Eight in 2008 under coach Mike Anderson, showing their competitiveness at the highest level.
Tigers Achievements
Beyond football and basketball, Missouri’s baseball team also boasts a proud history. The Tigers won College World Series titles in 1954 and 1964 and have remained competitive in the SEC. Under coach Steve Bieser, the team recorded a strong 2019 campaign with a 43–19 record and an appearance in the Super Regionals. Missouri has also excelled in other sports, including track and field, wrestling, and softball, all contributing to the school’s athletic legacy.
The Missouri Tigers have produced countless All-Americans and professional athletes who have gone on to represent the university with pride. The dedication of the players, coaches, and passionate fans continues to drive the success of both Missouri Tigers football and Missouri Tigers basketball programs. With their rich heritage and ongoing pursuit of excellence, the Tigers remain one of the most admired programs in collegiate sports.
