Both schools currently compete in the NCAA Division II level, and are members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).

[2] The Turnpike Tussle is the second-oldest active NCAA Division II rivalry.

[10] After a one-year hiatus, the rivalry began again playing annually until 1942 when World War II took place.

[12] Ten years after World War II finished, the Kansas Turnpike was completed, forming a 58 mile distance between the two schools and led the two schools to name their rivalry series the "Turnpike Tussle" in 1956.

In 2001, Emporia State promoted offensive coordinator Dave Wiemers as their head coach, who later resigned in December 2006.