The team competes at the NCAA Division III level as an affiliate member of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW).

[4] On October 18, 2024, the North Coast Athletic Conference announced that Washington would join as a football-only member, beginning in the 2026 season.

[7] Two former Washington University head coaches have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame: Bob Higgins in 1954[8] and Carl Snavely in 1965.

[9] Two former Washington University players have also been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame: Harvey Jablonsky in 1978[10] and Shelby Jordan in 2013.

The WashU Bears have made two NCAA Division III bowl appearances, with a combined record of 0–2.