Anna 
Azusa Pacific University (APU) has announced the return of its football program, set to take the field in the 2026 season after a five-year hiatus. The revival marks a new chapter for Cougar Athletics and aims to strengthen school spirit and community engagement.
Alongside the reinstatement of football, APU athletics will transition to NCAA Division III and join the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). This move, approved unanimously by SCIAC member institutions, aligns with the university’s goal of balancing academics and athletics while fostering a competitive environment. The addition of APU marks the third expansion of SCIAC in 35 years, reinforcing its status as one of the nation’s most stable Division III conferences.
A New Era for Cougar Football
APU President Adam J. Morris emphasized the significance of football’s return.
“This decision reflects our dedication to providing a well-rounded educational experience, where students can excel in the classroom and on the field,” Morris said. “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.”
APU previously fielded a football team for more than 60 years, gaining national recognition in the 1980s when future NFL running back Christian Okoye starred for the Cougars. The program secured its first NAIA playoff berth in 1998, ultimately winning the NAIA championship under head coach Vic Shealy. Over the years, APU made seven more NAIA playoff appearances and twice qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs.
Building for the Future
The university has begun its search for a head coach and coaching staff with Division III experience. APU seeks candidates with a track record of success, a commitment to academics, and a passion for student-athlete development.
The return of football is expected to energize the university community, including students, alumni, and local fans. APU alumnus and former NFL player Christian Okoye expressed his excitement about the program’s revival.
“I learned the game at APU after arriving to pursue track and field,” Okoye said. “The coaches poured into me, challenged me, and helped me grow. I’m thrilled that more young men will get to experience that same transformation. I can’t wait for Homecoming to include football again.”
APU Student Government Association president Travis Gray also welcomed the news.
“I’m so excited to see football come back,” Gray said. “It not only unites the team but also the student body. I can’t wait to see what happens!”
A Strong Athletic Tradition
The SCIAC, established in 1915, is home to nine academically rigorous institutions that have also achieved athletic success. In the past three years alone, conference teams have won 12 national titles and 10 individual championships.
Azusa Pacific, a leading Christian university on the West Coast, has a history of athletic excellence. The school’s 18-sport intercollegiate athletics program has won 48 national championships and has consistently ranked among the top 20 NCAA Division II programs in the Learfield Directors’ Cup.
Further details on APU football’s coaching hires and inaugural season schedule will be released in the coming months. Fans can follow @apucougars on Instagram and X, and @azuspacificathletics on Facebook for updates.
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