Between 1982 and 2011, Northern Arizona and Southern Utah played fifteen times as non-conference opponents. Since 1970, Northern Arizona has been a member of the
Big Sky Conference, playing at a
Division I level. Southern Utah's division and conference affiliation fluctuated during this time. However, in 2011, the Big Sky conference expanded to 13 football-playing members, and Southern Utah University was extended an all-sports invitation. Since then, the Lumberjacks and Thunderbirds have competed every year. In 2012, the
Grand Canyon Trophy was introduced as a traveling trophy that would go to the winner. The trophy was first won by Southern Utah by a score of 35–29. In 2022, Southern Utah left the Big Sky Conference for the
Western Athletic Conference. The two schools have scheduled a 12-game home and home series for the 2028 through 2039 seasons. On June 25, 2025, the Big Sky Conference announced that Southern Utah will rejoin the conference effective July 1, 2026. ==Game results==