University of Sioux Falls Athletics

The 2016 University of Sioux Falls football team etched its name into USF history with one of the most memorable seasons the program has ever seen at the NCAA Division II level. Under head coach Jed Stugart, the Cougars delivered a remarkable 12-1 record, including a perfect 11-0 mark in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, to claim the school’s first-ever NSIC Championship. 

Behind one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, USF averaged 511.3 yards per game and consistently overwhelmed opponents with balance and firepower. All-American running back Max Mickey led the charge, rushing for a school-record 1,764 yards while pacing the nation with 8.6 yards per carry. Quarterback Luke Papilion provided dual-threat brilliance, accounting for 2,323 passing yards and 987 rushing yards, cementing himself as one of the most dynamic playmakers in Cougars history. 

The Cougars’ excellence extended into the postseason, where they achieved another milestone, their first-ever NCAA Division II playoff victory with a 34-21 win over Azusa Pacific. The season came to a dramatic close in the second round with a 27-24 overtime battle against No. 5 Harding, a game that underscored USF’s toughness and national stature. 

The 2016 Cougars set the standard for what USF Football could achieve at the NCAA level. They finished ranked No. 4 nationally, captured conference and district titles, and left a lasting legacy as the most successful DII team in program history to that point. Their blend of talent, unity, and determination not only elevated the program but also inspired future generations of Cougars to dream bigger.