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).

[2] 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.

[3] San Diego Toreros and Cal Poly have a regional rivalry, both schools are in-state FCS opponents but not in the same conferences.

[4] Notable alumni include: [5] † Co-champions From 2001–2005, the Pioneer Football League was divided into North and South Divisions.