The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks have built a respected legacy in college sports, excelling in both football and Northern Arizona Lumberjacks basketball. From historic wins to standout athletes, the team has made a lasting impact on the NCAA. Fans of Northern Arizona Lumberjacks football proudly celebrate the program’s milestones, making it a strong name in collegiate athletics.
College Sports Established
1899
Location
Flagstaff, Arizona
College Name
Northern Arizona University
Collegiate History
1978 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1973 - 1977 / NCAA Division II
1969 - 1972 / NCAA College Division
1953 - 1968 / NAIA
1937 - 1952 / NCAA College Division
Conference History
1970 – Present / Big Sky Conference
1963–1969 / Independent
1953 - 1962 / New Mexico Conference / Frontier Conference
1931 - 1952 / Border Conference
1915 - 1930 / Independent
Nickname
Lumberjacks - The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks have been a part of the NCAA since 1931. But where did their nickname come from? It’s an exciting story that dates back to the 1920s when NAU was still known as Flagstaff Normal School.
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Origin
At this time, many students were working in lumber camps during summer break, and they would return with stories about their experiences – including tales of hardworking “lumberjacks” who worked tirelessly in harsh conditions. These stories inspired some students to start calling themselves “Lumberjacks,” soon, it became a popular nickname for all school community members.
In 1924, student body president William Tompkins officially adopted "Lumberjack" as the official mascot for Flagstaff Normal School's athletic teams, and it eventually stuck! The name has remained ever since – even after becoming Northern Arizona University (NAU) in 1966 - making them one of only two Division I schools that use "Lumberjack" as its mascot (the other is Stephen F Austin).
Today, NAU's Lumberjack logo can be seen on everything from jerseys to hats - proudly representing not only NAU but also those brave lumberjacks who worked so hard long ago! So next time you watch your favorite team take on an opponent wearing blue & gold colors or sporting a fierce-looking axe logo, remember: That's no ordinary Jack…that's our very own Northern Arizona LUMBERJACKS!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1915
- 1961
- 2001
- 2012
- 2016
-
Northern Arizona University establishes a football program.
In 1915: Northern Arizona University (then known as Northern Arizona Normal School) establishes a football program. -
Max Spilsbury as head football coach of Lumberjacks
In 1961: NAU hires Max Spilsbury as its head football coach. Spilsbury would go on to coach the Lumberjacks for 14 seasons and is the winningest football coach in NAU history. -
NAU football team wins the Big Sky Conference championship
In 2001: The NAU football team wins the Big Sky Conference championship and participates in the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) playoffs. -
NAU men’s basketball team wins the Big Sky Conference championship
In 2012: The NAU men’s basketball team wins the Big Sky Conference championship and participates in the NCAA Tournament. -
The NAU football team wins a share of the Big Sky Conference championship
In 2016, the Northern Arizona University (NAU) Lumberjacks football team won a share of the Big Sky Conference championship, finishing with a 7-1 record in conference play and an 8-3 record overall. The Lumberjacks were co-champions with the University of North Dakota and Eastern Washington University. The team was led by head coach Jerome Souers, who had been coaching the ...
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 the player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks History
The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks carry a proud tradition in NCAA athletics, competing in both Northern Arizona Lumberjacks football and Northern Arizona Lumberjacks basketball. Their rivalry with the Northern Colorado Bears and other Big Sky foes has fueled passion for more than a century. Over time, the Lumberjacks have earned conference titles, postseason bids, and produced notable athletes.
Northern Arizona first formed athletic teams in the early 1900s, and its Northern Arizona Lumberjacks football program began in 1915. The program joined NCAA Division I (FCS) in 1978 and has since contested in the Big Sky Conference. In 1978, under Coach Joe Salem, the Lumberjacks went 8–2 and captured their first Big Sky title.
In the years prior, the Lumberjacks competed in lower divisions. In 1977, they posted a 9–3 season (5–1 in conference) and earned a spot in the Division II playoffs. The move up to Division I marked a new era for Northern Arizona Lumberjacks football.
In basketball, the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks basketball program competes in the Big Sky Conference and has made multiple postseason appearances. They reached the NCAA tournament in 1998 and 2000 but went 0–2 combined. The team has also won Big Sky regular season championships in years such as 1986, 1997, 1998, and 2006, and tournament championships in 1998 and 2000.
While Northern Arizona Lumberjacks basketball has faced challenges replicating deep tournament runs, it remains a strong program in the Big Sky. The team has also earned NABC Team Academic Excellence Awards for its academic performance.
Across sports, the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks have gained distinction beyond football and basketball. Their cross country teams have become national powerhouses. The men’s cross country squad captured NCAA Division I national championships multiple times (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022) and consistently ranks among the top programs.
In the latest athletic seasons, Northern Arizona Lumberjacks football returned to the FCS Playoffs in 2024, showcasing renewed competitiveness in the Big Sky. Meanwhile, the entire athletics program captured both the men’s and women’s All-Sports Trophies in the Big Sky — a full sweep of excellence across disciplines.
Lumberjacks Achievements
The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks football program has won multiple conference titles (e.g. Big Sky in 1978, 2003) and has made several FCS playoff appearances (seven to date). Their upset victory over Arizona in 2021 marked their first win over a Pac-12 opponent, further raising the profile of Northern Arizona Lumberjacks football.
In Northern Arizona Lumberjacks basketball, while NCAA tournament success has been limited, the program has earned significant conference honors — regular season and tournament championships — and maintained competitive presence in the Big Sky. The basketball team’s academic distinction further enhances its reputation.
Overall, the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks embody resilience and multi-sport excellence. Whether on the gridiron, in the court, or through national titles in cross country, the legacy of Northern Arizona Lumberjacks continues to grow — celebrated by fans of both Northern Arizona Lumberjacks football and Northern Arizona Lumberjacks basketball, and respected across collegiate athletics.
Sports Fan Products
