Dayton to Host San Diego on October 24
The Flyers will wear throwback helmets to honor their 1966 squad.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Football
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The University of Dayton football team faces the University of San Diego at Welcome Stadium on October 24, 2026. The Flyers will sport helmets featuring an interlocking red U and D to pay tribute to the 1966 team.
Why it matters
Dayton is looking to snap a seven-game losing streak against San Diego, having not defeated them since 2015. The team is also honoring the 2015 group, which remains the last Dayton roster to secure a Pioneer Football League championship.
The 1966 Dayton team finished with an 8-2 record, a significant turnaround from their 1-8 mark in 1965. Dayton enters this matchup with an overall 5-1 record and a 2-1 conference standing.
The players
Joe Kingsbury
He is a defensive player for the University of Dayton who recorded 12 tackles in the victory against Butler.
University of Dayton
This is a private research university located in Ohio that competes in the Pioneer Football League.
University of San Diego
This is a private Roman Catholic research university that operates a competitive football program in the Pioneer Football League.
The details
Players will wear throwback logos to honor the 1966 team, who are being recognized as they may have few opportunities to gather on campus again. Dayton enters the game fresh off a 19-9 victory over Butler, a match where Joe Kingsbury recorded 12 tackles and the offense controlled the ball for over 11 minutes in the third quarter.
Timeline
The 1966 team achieved an 8-2 season record.
Dayton last defeated San Diego in 2015.
Dayton defeated Butler 19-9 on October 17, 2026.
Dayton plays San Diego at Welcome Stadium on October 24, 2026.
Dayton plays Presbyterian on November 21, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The team is honoring the 2015 Pioneer Football League championship, which marks the last time the program reached that specific competitive milestone. This commemorative atmosphere surrounds a critical stretch as the Flyers attempt to maintain momentum within the conference standings.
Dayton faces a difficult hurdle against San Diego, a team they have not beaten in seven consecutive meetings. A victory here would significantly bolster the Flyers' standing within the Pioneer Football League conference race.
The takeaway
Recognizing historical team achievements can foster a sense of legacy for current student-athletes. Implementing commemorative traditions like throwback uniforms serves to bridge the gap between past championship eras and the present season's goals.
What happens next
Dayton is scheduled to play Presbyterian for their final regular season game on November 21, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the team schedule and roster, visit Dayton Football.
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