College Sports Established
1893
Location
San Jose, California
College Name
San Jose State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2013 - Present / Mountain West Conference
1996 – 2013 / Western Athletic Conference
1988 – 1996 / Big West Conference
1969 - 1988 / Pacific Coast Athletic Association
1893 – 1968 / Independent
Nickname
Spartans - The San Jose State Spartans have a long and proud history of athletics excellence. As one of the top college sports programs in the country, they are known for their hard-nosed style of play and commitment to success. But many don't know that their nickname has an interesting origin story.
The name "Spartans" was first used by San Jose State University students in 1925 as a tribute to ancient Greek warriors who embodied strength, courage, and honor on the battlefields during the war. At the time, the school's athletic director thought it would be a fitting name for such an esteemed program with its equally important values: teamwork, dedication, and leadership skills—all qualities needed to excel both on and off the field or court.
Since then, Spartan athletes have gone on to win numerous championships in various sports, including football (1939 & 1990), track & field (1959 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship), men’s basketball (1996 WAC Tournament Champions), baseball (2000 WAC Tournament Champions), women’s soccer(2002 MPSF Conference Champions). These accomplishments make them one of only two California teams claiming to be national champions since World War II!
It's clear why so many people associate greatness with this team; not only do they embody physical prowess but also mental fortitude, which makes them unique among other collegiate athletes across America today! So if you're ever looking for inspiration or want insight into how great teams become even more remarkable–look no further than your own SJSU Spartans!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1893
- 1994
- 1996
- 2012
- 2020
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Spartans first football game
In 1893: The first football team is formed and played its first game against Stanford University, losing 0-14. -
Ring of Honor Jeff Garcia
In 1990, Garcia transferred to San Jose State University and redshirted his first year there. From 1991 to 1993, Garcia was starting quarterback on the San Jose State Spartans football team. Under Garcia, San Jose State went 6-4-1 in 1991, 7–4 in 1992, and 2–9 in 1993. In 1991, Garcia had a career-high 61.9% completion rate at San Jose State ... -
Spartans school joins the Western Athletic Conference (WAC)
In 1996: The school joins the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and changes its name from San Jose State University to San José State University, adding an accent mark to reflect its Spanish heritage. -
Spartans wins the Military Bowl
In 2012: The football team finishes with an 11-2 record and ranks #21 in the final AP poll, the second-highest ranking in school history. The team also wins the Military Bowl, defeating Bowling Green 29-20. -
Spartans joins the Mountain West Conference (MW)
In 2020: The school joins the Mountain West Conference (MW) and wins its first MW football championship, defeating Boise State 34-20. The team also finishes with a 7-1 record and ranks #24 in the final AP poll.
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 Spartans
In football, San Jose State has won four bowl games and two conference championships since joining Division I-A (now FBS) play in 1993. They’ve also had several NFL players come through their program, including Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young who played his college ball with them from 1981-1984 before becoming one of professional football's all-time greats with the 49ers.
On top of that success, SJSU is home to an impressive men's basketball program, which boasts three NCAA tournament appearances and six conference titles since 1996, when they joined Division I (now DI). The team has also produced some notable NBA talent, like Jason Kidd, who Dallas Mavericks drafted after playing just one season at SJSU during the 1994-1995 campaign.
In addition to these accomplishments, Spartan athletes can be found competing around the world, ranging from Olympic Games, where sprinter Tommie Smith made headlines 1968 Mexico City Olympics winning a gold medal 200m dash while wearing a black power salute gesture, more recently, high jumper Tori Franklin represented the United States 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics earning her way into finals competition finishing 9th place overall event.
Whether it’s gridiron glory or international acclaim, there is no denying the lasting impact that the San Jose State University Athletics Department continues to make its mark within collegiate sports today and tomorrow and beyond!
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