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.
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
-
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.
History of the Mean Green
North Texas had won seven conference championships in football alone since 1948, when it joined what is now known as Conference USA (C-USA). The team also made four consecutive bowl appearances from 2001-2004 under legendary head coach Darrell Dickey; those included trips to three New Orleans Bowls and a trip for an Independence Bowl victory against Colorado State University.
In basketball, too, there’s plenty for fans of all ages at UNT: two NIT Championships (in 1988 & 2007), eight NCAA Tournament Appearances (including back-to-back Sweet Sixteen runs during the 2005 & 2006 seasons), plus several CUSA regular season championships throughout its history. And don't forget about baseball, either! The school's program boasts five College World Series appearances and nine Sun Belt Conference tournament titles since joining that league in 2000 – including winning it all this past spring after taking home both regular season AND tournament crowns last year!
All told then, it's easy to see why so many people are passionate about following UNT athletics - whether you're supporting them on game day or just keeping up with news online/through social media channels like Twitter/Facebook, etc., there's something here for everyone who loves college sports action! So if you haven't already done so, check out some mean green games soon - you won't regret it.