San Diego Toreros football

Classifications • 1973–1992: NCAA Division III • 1993–present: NCAA Division I-AA/FCS Conference memberships • 1956–1972: Independent • 1973–1992: NCAA Division III independent • 1993–present: Pioneer Football League In the early 1990s, the NCAA passed new legislation which required athletic departments to now play all of their respective sports at the same divisional level. Briefly discussed as a potential answer to the legislation, the concept of Division I-AAA was considered in response, including USD as one of only six schools eligible for the classification along the West Coast (along with Santa Clara, CSUN, Sacramento State, Saint Mary's and UCSB). However, in January 1992, the proposal to create a football-playing Division I-AAA was twice voted down at an NCAA convention; then in February 1992, Toreros athletic director Tom Iannacone announced USD football would elevate to I-AA status beginning in the fall of 1993, by way of joining the PFL. ==Rivalries==

Cal Poly San Diego Toreros and Cal Poly have a regional rivalry, both schools are in-state FCS opponents but not in the same conferences. ==Notable former players==

Notable alumni include: • Jamal Agnew • Eric Bakhtiari • Ross Dwelley • Michael Gasperson • Evan Hlavacek • Josh Johnson • Matt Maslowski • John Matthews • Jordan Paopao • Vern Valdez • Ken Zampese • Dave Dunn • Michael Bandy ==Year-by-year results==

Conference championships † Co-champions Divisional championships From 2001–2005, the Pioneer Football League was divided into North and South Divisions. As winners of the Pioneer Football League's North Division, San Diego has made one appearance in the Pioneer Football League Championship Game, in 2005. The Toreros also shared the Division title with Valparaiso in 2003, but the tie-breaker allowed the Crusaders to represent the division in the championship game. ==Playoff appearances==

NCAA Division I FCS San Diego has made five appearances in the FCS playoffs. Their overall record is 2–5. NCAA Division III The Toreros made one appearances in the NCAA Division III football playoffs, with a combined record of 0-1. == Future non-conference opponents ==

Announced schedules as of March 5, 2026. ==References==