The South Alabama Jaguars history reflects a proud tradition of athletic excellence built through dedication and teamwork. Both South Alabama Jaguars basketball and South Alabama Jaguars baseball have earned national recognition for their strong performances and championship spirit. Over the years, the Jaguars have become a symbol of pride and determination in college sports.
College Sports Established
1963
Location
Mobile, Alabama
College Name
University of South Alabama
Collegiate History
1976 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1976 - Present / Sun Belt Conference
Nickname
Jaguars - In 1965 the South Alabama Board of Trustees selected the Jaguar as the University’s official mascot.
South Alabama Jaguars Origin
During the late 1960’s, USA housed a live Jaguar on the campus. In 1968, Baton Rouge, La., civil engineer Toxie Craft donated a year old South American Jaguar to the University to serve as the official mascot. Craft’s first cousin, Huntley Fairchild of Sunshine, La., had learned from Jaguar Club member R.H. Radcliff Jr., that South Alabama was trying to acquire a live Jaguar to serve as the school’s mascot. Arrangements were made with USA Athletic Director Dr. Mel Lucas to bring the animal to Mobile. The acquisition of the jaguar triggered a reaction of jubilation through the growing USA campus.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1978
- 2008
- 2009
- 2010
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South Alabama Jaguars men’s basketball program
The South Alabama Jaguars men’s basketball program has competed in the Sun Belt Conference since 1978 when the league was formed. Since 1968, the Jaguars have compiled an overall record of 694–507 (.580). South Alabama has won the Sun Belt Conference championship five times and reached the NCAA tournament eight times. The Jaguars last NCAA tournament appearance was in 2008. -
Last Appearance in NCAA tournament
The Jags have participated in the NCAA tournament eight times with a record of 1–8. Their last tournament appearance was in 2008 when they lost to seventh seeded Butler 81–61 in the NCAA Birmingham Regional First Round. -
South Alabama Jaguars football program
The South Alabama Jaguars football program, established in 2009, represents the University of South Alabama in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. South Alabama joined the FBS in 2012 as a member of the Sun Belt Conference (SBC). -
Jaguars defeated Hargrave Military Academy
On September 5, 2009, the University of South Alabama Jaguars football team defeated Hargrave Military Academy 30–13 in the program’s first ever game in front of more than 26,000 fans. The team completed its first season undefeated at 7–0, outscoring its opponents by a combined score of 321–41.
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South Alabama Jaguars History
The South Alabama Jaguars history represents one of the most inspiring journeys in collegiate athletics. Competing in NCAA Division I as a proud member of the Sun Belt Conference since 2009, the Jaguars have built a strong reputation across multiple sports, including South Alabama Jaguars basketball and South Alabama Jaguars baseball. The program is especially known for its passionate rivalry with the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, which continues to energize fans each season.
From the start, the South Alabama Jaguars football team made a remarkable impact. In 2012, they captured their first-ever Sun Belt Football Championship with a commanding 30–8 victory over Arkansas State. Two years later, in 2014, the Jaguars triumphed again, defeating Appalachian State 34–27 to claim their second title. These victories established the foundation for the football program’s growing presence in the NCAA and its consistent competitiveness within the Sun Belt Conference.
The South Alabama Jaguars basketball program has also earned national attention. Between 2011 and 2016, the Jaguars made five consecutive postseason appearances, including three straight semifinal runs from 2013 to 2015. Their dedication paid off in the 2016–2017 season when they won both the regular season and Sun Belt Tournament championships, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA March Madness tournament. Although their tournament journey ended early, the team’s rapid rise proved their place among the top programs in the conference.
Jaguars Achievements
Equally impressive is the South Alabama Jaguars baseball program, one of the university’s strongest athletic traditions. From 2010 to 2017, the Jaguars appeared in seven NCAA regional tournaments, winning four of them and advancing to the Super Regionals twice—in 2013 and 2015. Despite narrowly missing out on the College World Series, the team’s consistent excellence under head coach Mark Calvi has made them one of the most respected baseball programs in the country.
Over the years, the South Alabama Jaguars have developed numerous standout athletes who went on to professional success. Several players from South Alabama Jaguars basketball and South Alabama Jaguars baseball have reached the NBA and MLB, carrying the school’s legacy to the national stage. Their journeys reflect the program’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and athletic development.
Today, the South Alabama Jaguars history continues to grow with every season. From championship victories to producing top-tier talent, the university’s athletic programs embody the values of perseverance and pride. The future remains bright for South Alabama Jaguars basketball, South Alabama Jaguars baseball, and every sport that wears the Jaguars name with honor.
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