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Team History
A team that has been pretty good throughout their history, they have a 10+ win season in 5 consecutive decades. In the late 80's under Jim Sweeney they figured something out, and since then they've regularly been one of the top G5 programs. They will be a team to watch this season, as they just tapped the old coach at North Dakota State to run their program.
Recent Coverage
Optimistic & Pessimistic Outlooks for Each Team
2025-08-19 • Why each team's 2025 season could be great, and why each team's season could turn into a trainwreck....
Which G5 Schools Spend the Most on NIL?
2025-08-12 • Here we take a look at actual figures that have been made public to put together a picture of the NI...
G5 Preseason Award Predictions
2025-08-05 • Who will be the top players and coaches this season at the G5 level? Find out here....
Biggest G5 Games of Week 0/1
2025-07-29 • The seasons just around the corner, which games from the opening week should be on your radar?...
The G5 Heisman: Best of the 21st Century
2025-06-24 • If the Group of 5 had its own Heisman, these are the players who would've won it. From LT to Ashton ...
Quick Facts
Peak of Program
In 2018 they went 12-2 and won the conference championship. They had the #3 defense and finished ranked #18 that season.
Rock Bottom
In 2016 they went 1-11 to follow up a 3-9 season. The program needed a rebuild to get back on track.
Best Ever Player
Derek Carr (QB, 2009-2013): 2 time Mountain West offensive player of the year. His # is retired at Fresno. Threw for 5000 yards and 50 touchdowns his senior season.
Best Ever Coach
Jim Sweeney (1976–1996): Led the team to 8 conference championships, had a run where they appeared in the polls 5 years in a row.
Stadium
Valley Children's Stadium (Jim Sweeney Field)
First Season
1921
Enrollment
26,000