Washburn University Football Be The Standard
Washburn University
Washburn University got its start as Lincoln College on February 6, 1865, in Topeka, Kansas. From the very beginning, it was built to be a school for everyone, a place where opportunity and education were open to all. Classes kicked off in January 1866 with 38 high school students, and by that fall, the first college students enrolled, laying the foundation for a lasting legacy. A few years later, the college was renamed Washburn University in honor of Ichabod Washburn, a generous Massachusetts industrialist whose financial support helped secure the school’s future. Every year, Washburn celebrates those early beginnings on Founders Day, honoring more than 150 years of perseverance, pride, and progress. From its post, Civil War roots to building championship athletic programs today, Washburn stands as a symbol of resilience, determination, and community spirit that reflects the heart of Topeka itself.
topeka, ks - "Top City"
Topeka, Kansas, the proud capital city of the state of Kansas, is home to 125,000 residents. Topeka is known for its welcoming community and affordability. The city’s identity is closely tied to Washburn University, which enrolls roughly 8,000 students across its 160-acre campus. Washburn plays a major role in Topeka’s educational and cultural life, and its athletic programs enjoy enthusiastic support from the community. From packed stands at football games at Yager Stadium to local youth outreach programs and citywide pep events, Topekans proudly stand behind their university teams, reflecting the city’s strong spirit of unity and pride.
The Washburn Ichabods enjoy passionate support from the people of Topeka year-round. Fans fill Yager Stadium on game days, turning each matchup into a community celebration complete with tailgating, family activities, and alumni reunions. Washburn athletes give back through outreach programs like “Bods Care,” connecting with area youth and inspiring the next generation. In every sense, Topeka doesn’t just cheer for Washburn—it stands shoulder to shoulder with it, celebrating the university’s successes as part of the city’s own story.
What is an Ichabod?
MIAA Conference - ncaa d2
Founded in 1912, the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) is one of the nation’s oldest and most successful NCAA Division II conferences, currently consisting of 14 full-time members. Over its 110-year history, the MIAA has built a tradition of excellence, with student-athletes earning 62 NCAA Division II team championships, more than 400 individual national titles, and numerous Academic All-America and All-District honors. The conference’s reach extends across five states, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, with member institutions located in major metro areas such as Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Wichita. The MIAA also operates its own streaming platform, The MIAA Network, showcasing the talent and achievements of its student-athletes both on and off the field.
2025 Washburn ichabods
single digits - Captains
Washburn Football coaching Staff
Zach Watkins was named the 38th head coach in program history on Nov. 26, 2024 becoming the first Ichabod alumnus to fill the top spot on the Ichabod sidelines in more than 30 years. Watkins spent the previous 11 seasons as the co-defensive coordinator on the Ichabod coaching staff. 2025 is the first season of a new era of Washburn Football.
Facilities
Yager Stadium and Bianchino Pavilion
Players Lounge
Locker Room
The Washburn Athletic Training Center
The Washburn Athletic Training Center is located at the Petro Allied Health Center inside concourse of Lee Arena. A Hydroworx aquatic therapy pool is located in the Washburn Natatorium, giving student-athletes additional therapy options.