The team competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of the Conference USA.

[3] On November 5, 2021, the school accepted an invitation to join Conference USA (C-USA) of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) beginning with the 2023 season.

[4] Jacksonville State University's first football team, the Eagle Owls, was formed in the late 19th century.

[5] However, a few months later on November 5, 2021, the school accepted an invitation to join FBS Conference USA (C-USA) beginning with the 2023 season.

The Gamecocks were defeated in their first three championship game appearances, losing 33–0 to Lehigh in 1977, 3–0 to Mississippi College in 1989 (later vacated), and 23–6 to Pittsburg State in 1991.

This unnamed rivalry started in 1904,[7] when Jacksonville wore blue and gold as the Eagle Owls and Samford University was still named Howard College.