Azusa Pacific is bringing back its football program after shuttering it in 2020.
The small Christian university, founded in 1899, previously had a football program for 55 years before dropping the program in five years ago, citing the decline of college football in California as a factor.
Now, the Cougars will join the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, competing in NCAA Division III. The university hopes to have the football team playing by fall of 2026.
“The return of football is momentous for APU,” university president Adam J. Morris said in a news release. “This decision reflects our dedication to providing a well-rounded educational experience, where students can excel in the classroom and on the field. We are confident that our membership in SCIAC and transition to Division III will allow us to maintain this balance while continuing our athletic excellence and building a successful and competitive football program.”
The school plans to immediately begin its search for a head football coach and coaching staff with experience in Division III athletics.
Running back Christian Okoye, who played in the NFL, is considered the school’s most famous alum. He graduated in 1986.
“I learned the game at APU, having arrived to pursue track and field. Coaches poured into me, drawing out my skills and challenging me on and off the gridiron. I’m thrilled that more young men will get to experience the same kind of transformation I did attending this Christ-centered university. I’m thrilled that Homecoming will include a football game again and am looking forward to seeing former teammates,” Okoye said.
The Cougars won an NAIA national championship in 1998 under coach Vic Shealy. The Cougars competed in the NAIA playoffs seven times and reached the semifinals twice.
APU also qualified for the NCAA Division II football playoffs twice.