Dayton Flyers football

History

Classifications

• 1906–1955: NCAA
• 1956–1972: NCAA University Division
• 1973–1976: NCAA Division I
• 1977–1992: NCAA Division III
• 1993–present: NCAA Division I–AA/FCS

Conference memberships

• 1905–1925: Independent
• 1926–1934: Ohio Athletic Conference
• 1935–1938: Buckeye Athletic Association
• 1939–1955: Independent
• 1956–1972: University Division Independent
• 1973–1976: Division I Independent
• 1977–1992: Division III Independent
• 1993–present: Pioneer Football League

Notable former players

Notable alumni include:

• Jon A. Husted (1985–1989), Incumbent United States Senator from Ohio, Lt. Governor 2019-2025
• Jon Gruden (1982–1984), graduated in 1985 and former head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Las Vegas Raiders.
• Kelvin Kirk (1953–2003), first Mr. Irrelevant and CFL player
• Gary Kosins (born 1949), American football player
• Bill Lange (1928–1995), American football player
• Jim Katcavage (1952–1956), New York Giants football player for 13 years and three time all-Pro defensive end.
• Chuck Noll (1948–1952), Cleveland Browns football player and 4x Super Bowl winning coach for Pittsburgh Steelers.
• Brandon Staley (2003–2004), former Dayton Flyers quarterback and former head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
• Adam Trautman (2015–2019), American football player on the Denver Broncos. He was the first Dayton player drafted (2020) since 1977.
• Trevor Andrews (1994–1997), American football safety and current head coach of the Dayton Flyers football team.

Championships

National championships

Dayton has won two national championships, both during their tenure in Division III. Dayton has made five appearances in the NCAA Division III National Championship Game, also known as the Stagg Bowl. The Flyers defeated Ithaca, 63–0 in the 1980 championship game, and defeated Union (NY) 17–7 in the 1989 championship game. The Flyers were unsuccessful in three other championship game appearances, losing 17–10 to Widener in 1981, 19–3 to Wagner in 1987, and 34–20 to Ithaca in 1991. The Flyers have also won two FCS Mid-Major National Championships the first in 2002 and again in 2007.

Conference championships

Dayton has won 12 conference championships, six outright and six shared.

† denotes co-champions

Divisional championships

From 2001–2005, the Pioneer Football League was divided into North and South Divisions, with the winners of those divisions participating in a conference championship game. As winners of the Pioneer Football League's North Division, Dayton has made two appearances in the Pioneer Football League Championship Game, in 2001 and 2002.

Bowl game appearances

Dayton has participated in one bowl game, with the Flyers having a record of 0–1.

They also played in the Gridiron Classic in 2007 against Northeast Conference opponent Albany, winning 42–21.

The Sports Network Cup was a way of determining the best mid major team in Division I FCS, with first place votes determining the winner between teams from the Pioneer Football League, the Northeast Conference, and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

Playoff appearances

NCAA Division I FCS

Dayton has made one appearance in the FCS playoffs. Their record is 0–1.

NCAA Division III

The Flyers made eleven appearances in the NCAA Division III football playoffs. Their combined record was 16–9.

Future non-conference opponents

Announced schedules as of January 15, 2026.

References

References

1. (13 June 2002). "The Sports Network - I-AA College Football".
2. (10 February 2003). "The Sports Network - I-AA College Football".
3. (2 February 2006). "The Sports Network - I-AA College Football".
4. "The Sports Network - Football Championship Subdivision".
5. "Dayton Flyers Football Future Schedules". FBSchedules.com.