The North Texas Mean Green represent the University of North Texas Mean Green with a rich tradition in collegiate athletics. From historic football rivalries to standout seasons in North Texas Mean Green basketball, the program has consistently built success and passion among fans. This history page highlights their journey, achievements, and the impact they’ve had on NCAA sports.
College Sports Established
1913
Location
Denton, Texas
College Name
University of North Texas
Collegiate History
1983 - Present / NCAA Division 1
Conference History
2023 - / American Athletic Conference
2013 - 2023 / Conference USA
2000 - 2012 / Sun Belt Conference
1996 - 2000 / Big West
1983 - 1994 / Southland Conference
Nickname
Mean Green - Sports fans, have you ever wondered where the North Texas Mean Green nickname originated? The answer is rooted in the university's history and its long-standing tradition of success.
The University of North Texas has a long and proud history as an NCAA Division I school with a robust athletic program. As far back as 1930, when the school was known as North Texas State Teachers College (NTSC), they were referred to by some local newspapers simply as "the Mean Green." This nickname became more popular over time due to their consistent performance on the field - especially in football - which earned them respect throughout college athletics.
North Texas Mean Green Origin
In 1966, when NTSC changed its name to The University of North Texas (UNT), students voted for “Mean Green” as their official mascot, and team colors – green & white – were adopted shortly afterward. Since then, UNT teams have proudly represented this moniker across all sports divisions at both regional and national levels, winning multiple conference titles and numerous individual awards for outstanding performances by student-athletes each year!
Today, UNT continues to honor its rich heritage while striving towards excellence on every front; be it academics or athletics! So next time you see those two words together: "North" & "Mean," know that it stands for much more than just a catchy phrase but symbolizes an entire community's dedication towards excellence through hard work & determination!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1913
- 2001
- 2002
- 2010
- 2018
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North Texas Mean Green football team is founded
In 1913: The North Texas Mean Green football team is founded. The team plays its first game on October 18, 1913, against the University of Texas at Austin. -
North Texas Mean Green football team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship
In 2001: The North Texas Mean Green football team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship, earning a spot in the New Orleans Bowl, which they win over the Colorado State Rams. -
North Texas Mean Green men’s basketball team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship
In 2002: The North Texas Mean Green men’s basketball team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. -
North Texas Mean Green women’s soccer team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship
In 2010: The North Texas Mean Green women’s soccer team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. -
Second time Conference USA championship Victory
In 2018: The North Texas Mean Green men’s basketball team wins the Conference USA championship for the second time in program history, earning a spot in the NCAA 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.
North Texas Mean Green History
The North Texas Mean Green represent the University of North Texas Mean Green and have built a proud legacy in NCAA athletics. Since the program’s beginnings in 1913, the North Texas Mean Green have developed into one of the most competitive college sports programs. Their success extends from football to North Texas Mean Green basketball, baseball, and other sports, with intense rivalries—especially against the Rice Owls—fueling their history.
The University of North Texas Mean Green football program has claimed multiple conference championships across different eras. North Texas captured four straight Sun Belt titles from 2001 to 2004 under head coach Darrell Dickey, which included trips to the New Orleans Bowl each season. In total, the program has won more than 25 conference titles in various alignments and appeared in numerous bowl games, making the North Texas Mean Green one of the most consistent mid-major football programs in the nation.
In North Texas Mean Green basketball, the men’s team has seen a major resurgence in recent years. They have won multiple Conference USA titles and earned several NCAA Tournament appearances, including their historic 2021 upset of Purdue in the first round. The program has also claimed two NIT Championships (1988 and 2023), marking the University of North Texas Mean Green as a force in postseason play.
Baseball at the University of North Texas Mean Green has also produced notable results. The program has captured several conference tournament crowns and developed players who went on to professional careers. Alongside baseball, other sports like track, golf, and tennis have contributed to the rich athletic tradition that defines the North Texas Mean Green.
The North Texas Mean Green have earned recognition for their student-athletes’ academic achievements as well, regularly posting some of the highest graduation success rates in their conference. This commitment to balancing athletics and academics reinforces the strong culture within the University of North Texas Mean Green community.
Mean Green Achievements
The North Texas Mean Green football program has produced All-Americans, NFL players, and one of the nation’s longest home winning streaks at Apogee Stadium. Their 2022 run to the Conference USA Championship Game solidified their place as a rising power.
Meanwhile, North Texas Mean Green basketball has continued to raise its national profile by winning conference tournaments, competing in the NCAA Tournament, and producing standout players like Tony Mitchell and Javion Hamlet. These achievements have elevated the University of North Texas Mean Green into one of the premier athletic programs in the region, ensuring a bright future for generations of Mean Green fans.
