College Sports Established
1946
Location
Portland, Oregon
College Name
Portland State University
Collegiate History
1996 - Present / NCAA Division I-AA/FCS
1981 - 1995 / NCAA Division II
1978 - 1980 / NCAA Division I-AA
1973 - 1977 / NCAA Division II
1958 - 1972 / NCAA College Division
Conference History
1996 – Present / Big Sky Conference
1993 - 1995 / NCAA Division II independent
1982 - 1992 / Western Football Conference
1981 / NCAA Division II independent
1978 - 1980 / NCAA Division I-AA independent
1973 - 1977 / NCAA Division II independent
1965 - 1972 / NCAA College Division independent
1950 - 1964 / Oregon Collegiate Conference
1947 - 1949 / Independent
Nickname
Vikings - The Portland State Vikings have been a staple of the NCAA for many years, but where did their nickname come from? The origin of the Portland State Vikings nickname is steeped in history and tradition.
It all began in 1947 when a group of students at what was then called Vanport College decided to form an athletic team. They chose “Vikings” as their mascot because they felt it represented strength and courage - two traits they wanted to embody on the field.
From there, the name stuck and has been with them ever since! In 1951, Vanport College became known as Portland State University (PSU), so naturally, its athletic teams were rebranded accordingly: The PSU Vikings were born! Today this proud moniker remains unchanged; however, some minor adjustments have occurred over time, such as adding official colors or changing logos slightly.
As you can see, Viking pride runs deep at PSU – something passed down through generations of students who proudly represent their school each year on game day! So next time you’re cheering for your favorite college sports team – don’t forget those mighty Norsemen from up north: Go Vikes!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1946
- 1966
- 2007
- 2010
- 2019
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Portland State Vikings football program is established
In 1946 The Portland State Vikings football program is established and played its first season as a junior college team. In 1951 Portland State becomes a four-year college and the football program moved up to the college level. -
Portland State Vikings men’s basketball team wins the NAIA District Championship
In 1966, the Portland State Vikings men’s basketball team won the NAIA District Championship. This was the first conference championship in the program’s history. They went on to compete in the NAIA National Tournament but were eliminated in the first round. -
The Portland State Vikings men’s basketball team wins the Big Sky Conference
In 2007, the Portland State Vikings men’s basketball team had a historic season by winning the Big Sky Conference championship for the first time in school history. They finished the regular season with a 23-9 record and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, they upset the #4 seed University of ... -
Julius Thomas – two-time All-Big Sky selection
Julius Thomas (2006-2010): Tight end who was a two-time All-Big Sky selection and set school records for career receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He went on to play in the NFL for eight seasons, primarily with the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars. -
Portland State Vikings football team finishes the season with a 5-7 record
In 2019: The Portland State Vikings football team finishes the season with a 5-7 record, their best since 2015.
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.
History of the Vikings
The Vikings have been members of several historical conferences, including the Big Sky Conference, Pac-12 Conference, and West Coast (WCC). They have been competing as an independent NCAA Division I FCS football member since 2015 after leaving the Big Sky conference. In addition to football, they compete across multiple other sports, such as basketball, golf, soccer, and volleyball, among others, all within various divisions from D1-D3, depending on sport type.
Over its rich history, Portland State has seen many athletic and academic successes for its student-athletes. It takes great pride in upholding each year through hard work, dedication & commitment from all involved. Some notable alumni include former NFL players like Damon Huard & Ryan Hoag, who both had successful professional careers while attending PSU during their college years. Additionally, some Olympians such as Michelle Kwan, Joey Cheek & Mike Brown were part of this prestigious university's program during their competitive days too!
In recent yearsPortland State has seen much success, especially within men’s basketball, where they won back–to–back conference championships under head coach Tyler Geving before moving into independence status again recently due to financial reasons, among other things. This doesn't mean, though, that Viking fans don't still get excited every time they take part in or watch any sporting event involving them - whether home or away - because there is always plenty of enthusiasm surrounding these events, no matter what level of team you're watching!
Overall if you're looking for a school with solid traditions rooted deep into its past, look no further than Portland State University when considering your collegiate options! Go VIKES!!
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