History
1910: A teacher-training beginning
Ohio’s Lowry Bill authorized two northern teacher-training schools. Governor Judson Harmon signed it on May 19, 1910.
Checked 2026-10-31 · Sources: From vision to reality: The founding of BGSU in 1910
2026106 roster entriesSnapshot: 2026-10-02
College player coverage. Explore dated rosters and player details for 266 FBS and FCS programs. Every saved roster entry has a dated summary. Selected profiles include additional official-source background. Coverage varies by school; coaching backgrounds, program history and FAQs are still being expanded. Please check source dates and confirm changes with the schools. Division II, Division III and NAIA directories are not yet included.
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History
1910: Bowling Green wins the site
Bowling Green prevailed over Van Wert in the commission’s November vote. Governor Harmon announced Bowling Green and Kent as the two locations.
Checked 2026-10-31 · Sources: From vision to reality: The founding of BGSU in 1910
History
1911: Land for a new campus
Bowling Green City Council authorized purchase of 82.5 acres on April 24, 1911, for the new institution.
Checked 2026-10-31 · Sources: From vision to reality: The founding of BGSU in 1910
History
1914: Classes before the first buildings
Classes began in 1914. University Hall and Williams Hall, the first two campus buildings, were ready in 1915.
Checked 2026-10-31 · Sources: Founders Day Fast Facts 2023
History
1917: The first bachelor’s degrees
The first bachelor’s degrees in education were awarded in 1917, reflecting the institution’s ambitions beyond two-year teacher preparation.
Checked 2026-10-31 · Sources: Founders Day Fast Facts 2023
History
1935: University standing
Bowling Green State College became Bowling Green State University in 1935, following its earlier normal-school and state-college identities.
Checked 2026-10-31 · Sources: Founders Day Fast Facts 2023
History
1919: Intercollegiate football begins
Athletic director Frederick G. Beyerman announced the team in July 1919. John Stitt coached 19 players through a three-game first season.
Checked 2026-10-31 · Sources: Turn Back The Clock: The First Decade Of BG Football - Bowling Green State University Athletics
History
1920: The first football victory
Bowling Green earned its first victory by defeating Kent State 7–0 in the 1920 season finale.
Checked 2026-10-31 · Sources: Turn Back The Clock: The First Decade Of BG Football - Bowling Green State University Athletics
History
1921: An early conference title
Earl Krieger’s 1921 team finished 3–1–1 and won the Northwestern Ohio Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship.
Checked 2026-10-31 · Sources: Turn Back The Clock: The First Decade Of BG Football - Bowling Green State University Athletics
History
1955: Doyt Perry takes over
Former Falcon quarterback Doyt Perry became head coach in 1955. His ten-season tenure produced five MAC titles and the 1959 College Division national championship.
Checked 2026-10-31 · Sources: Turn Back The Clock: BGSU Football In The 1950s - Bowling Green State University Athletics
History
1959: An unbeaten College Division champion
The Falcons finished 9–0, won the MAC and were selected National College Division Champions. This historical honor is distinct from today’s FBS championship system.
Checked 2026-10-31 · Sources: Turn Back The Clock: BGSU Football In The 1950s - Bowling Green State University Athletics
History
1961: The Mercy Bowl
Bowling Green’s first bowl appearance came against Fresno State at the Los Angeles Coliseum. The Mercy Bowl raised money for families of Cal Poly players killed in a plane crash.
Checked 2026-10-31 · Sources: Turn Back The Clock: BGSU Football In The 1960s - Bowling Green State University Athletics
History
1966: A new home for Falcon football
Bowling Green defeated Dayton 13–0 on October 1, 1966, in the first game at Doyt L. Perry Stadium.
Checked 2026-10-31 · Sources: Doyt L. Perry Stadium - Facilities - Bowling Green State University Athletics
History
2001: Permanent lights at the stadium
Permanent lighting was installed in 2001. The facilities history also dates new FieldTurf and the Sebo Athletic Center to the 2007 season.
Checked 2026-10-31 · Sources: Doyt L. Perry Stadium - Facilities - Bowling Green State University Athletics
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