The Butler Bulldogs represent one of the most recognized programs in college sports, with a rich history that spans over a century. From the success of Butler Bulldogs basketball on the national stage to the enduring tradition of Butler Bulldogs football, the university continues to build a strong athletic legacy that inspires fans and athletes alike.
College Sports Established
1919
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana
College Name
Butler University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1919 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2013 - Present / Big East Conference
2012 – 2013 / Atlantic 10 Conference
1993 – 2012 / Horizon League
1978 – 1992 / Midwestern Collegiate Conference
1951 - 1977 / Indiana Collegiate Conference
1944 - 1950 / Mid-American Conference
1932 - 1943 / Missouri Valley Conference
Nickname
Bulldogs - The Butler Bulldogs are a college basketball team that has been around since the late 1800s. They have become one of the most successful teams in NCAA history, and their nickname is no exception. The origins of their name go back to when they were first founded as an athletic program at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Butler Bulldogs Origin
The story goes that during a game against rival Wabash College in 1897, two students from each school began barking like dogs at each other while cheering on their respective teams. This prompted someone to yell, “Let’s get those bulldogs!” It was then decided by the student body and faculty members alike that this would be an appropriate mascot for the university’s new sports team – henceforth known as the Butler Bulldogs!
Since then, both mascots have remained true to form; with their fierce-looking bulldog logo and blue-and-white colors representing strength and courage, respectively–all qualities embody what it means to be part of this proud institution's athletics program today!
For any sports fan looking for some interesting trivia about one of college basketball's top programs over time - look no further than here: The origin story behind how "Butler Bulldogs" came into existence more than 120 years ago is undoubtedly worth noting down if you're ever asked about it again sometime soon!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1924
- 1928
- 2009
- 2013
- 2020
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The Butler basketball team wins the AAU national championship
The Butler basketball team wins the AAU national championship. Here are some details about the Butler basketball team’s AAU national championship in 1924: The AAU tournament was held at Kansas City, Missouri, and featured both collegiate and amateur non-collegiate teams. Butler was coached by Pat Page, who had previously coached at Indiana and would later coach at Chicago. Butler had ... -
Butler football team wins the national championship
In 1928: The Butler football team wins the national championship by the Veteran Athletes of Philadelphia. -
Butler Bulldogs – Gordon Hayward
Hayward was listed as an unranked three-star prospect on the recruiting website Rivals.com. He accepted a scholarship offer from Butler University, coached by Brad Stevens, despite late interest from Purdue and Michigan. As a freshman in 2008–09, Hayward averaged 13.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He was named Horizon League Newcomer of the Year, and selected to the Horizon ... -
The Butler basketball team joins the Big East Conference
Here are some details about the Butler basketball team’s joining the Big East Conference in 2013: The Big East Conference underwent a major realignment in 2013, when seven non-football schools (the so-called “Catholic 7”) decided to leave the conference and form a new Big East, retaining the name and the rights to hold the conference tournament at Madison Square Garden. ... -
Butler men’s soccer team wins the Big East tournament
In 2020: The Butler men’s soccer team wins the Big East tournament and reaches the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Butler Bulldogs History
The Butler Bulldogs have a long and celebrated tradition in NCAA athletics, especially in their rivalry with the Marquette Golden Eagles. Founded in 1855 and competing at the NCAA Division I level since 1908, the university has become a respected name across multiple sports. The Butler Bulldogs basketball program, in particular, is one of the most iconic mid-major success stories in college sports.
Located in Indianapolis, Indiana – a city known for its deep basketball culture – the Butler Bulldogs basketball program has developed a passionate fan base at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Butler famously reached back-to-back NCAA Tournament Championship games in 2010 and 2011, a feat few programs of its size have ever achieved. These runs helped cement the Bulldogs’ place as a national basketball powerhouse despite competing against much larger schools from Power Five conferences.
The Butler Bulldogs are also recognized for producing standout athletes. NBA All-Star Gordon Hayward starred during Butler’s 2010 championship run, while other players like Shelvin Mack and Roosevelt Jones became March Madness legends. The program has consistently made deep tournament runs under notable coaches such as Brad Stevens and LaVall Jordan, who helped build on the Bulldogs’ strong basketball tradition.
While basketball defines much of Butler’s national reputation, the Butler Bulldogs football program also carries a proud history. The team has competed in the Pioneer Football League at the NCAA Division I FCS level, winning several conference titles and producing All-American athletes who excel on and off the field. Their consistent competitiveness adds to the university’s all-around athletic excellence.
Bulldogs Achievements
Today, the Butler Bulldogs continue to thrive across multiple sports. The Butler Bulldogs basketball team remains a tough opponent in the Big East Conference, regularly challenging traditional powerhouses. Meanwhile, the Butler Bulldogs football program maintains a standard of success and academic excellence that reflects the university’s values.
With multiple Final Four appearances, numerous conference championships, and a tradition of producing professional athletes, the Butler Bulldogs stand as one of the most respected mid-major programs in the nation. From the passionate crowds at Hinkle Fieldhouse to the achievements of the Butler Bulldogs football team, Butler University’s athletic programs embody perseverance, excellence, and pride for both alumni and fans alike.
