The Central Oklahoma Bronchos joined the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association in 2012, along with in-state rival Northeastern State University.

[7] In the 2011–12 sports season the Bronchos participated as an NCAA Division II independent before joining the MIAA the following year.

[9] The Bronchos won several conference championships under Charles W. Wantland, Claude Reeds, and Dale E. Hamilton.

In 1962, the Bronchos went 11–0 on the season and defeated Lenoir-Rhyne University (NC) 28–13 in the Camellia Bowl to claim its first NAIA national championship.

[11][12] Despite its rich history in football, Central Oklahoma has struggled beginning in the late 2000s, posting five winning seasons since 2008.

[8] The decline in performance coincided with the NCAA's decision to place the Bronchos on three years probation for "lack of institutional control", starting in 2008.

[13] Chuck Langston, the Bronchos' head coach during the period when the rules violations occurred, was fired and replaced by Tracy Holland.

In December 2011, Tracy Holland was fired as head coach after compiling a 15–29 record during his four seasons at the helm.

[14] The following month, Nick Bobeck, a former fullback for the Bronchos, was hired to take the reins as head football coach at UCO.

The Bronchos are currently led by head coach Adam Dorrel who took over the program beginning with the 2022 season.

During Hoffman's tenure, the Bronchos made NCAA Division II men's basketball tournament appearances in 2022, and 2023.

The team is coached by Todd Steidley, who in 2016 took over from twelve time national champion David James.

[26] Ray Clemons, the Bronchos champion in the 191 pound weight class that year, also wrestled in as a light heavyweight in men's freestyle competitions in the 1936 Summer Olympics.

[28][29] After two years at the Division II ranks, the program became an NAIA power, winning national championships under Eddie Griffin in 1979, 1981, and 1982.

[30] Mixed Martial Artist and current UFC fighters Tim Elliott and Muhammed Lawal wrestled for the Bronchos while attending Central Oklahoma.

[34] In 2012, they played for the NCAA softball championship in the Women's College World Series, losing to the UC San Diego Tritons in the semifinals.

The Bronchos advanced to the finals of the 2013 Women's College World Series this time defeating the Kutztown Golden Bears to win their first national championship.

[35] The Bronchos softball team plays its home games at the Gerry Pinkston Stadium, which has recently been renovated.

[37] The Bronchos have had two golfers win the individual national championship, Dax Johnston in 1996, and Josh Creel in 2011.

[77] The team finished the 2011–12 regular season with a 15–22–1 record and qualified for the 2012 ACHA Division I Nationals, ranked 15th.

The rugby team recorded their most famous victory of The University of Tulsa on January 31, 2009, by winning the match 26–0.