Missouri University announced in August 2024 that its 1960 football team has been officially declared the national champions, putting an end to a dispute that has lingered for more than six decades.
A historic resolution
The Senate passed a resolution on August 6, introduced by Senator Eric Schmitt, with unanimous support, formally recognizing the Tigers’ achievements.
The 1960 squad finished the season undefeated at 11‑0, captured the Big Eight Conference title and defeated Navy in the Orange Bowl, a game played in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Coach Dan Devine guided the team, while running back Danny LaRose was among the standout players who helped secure the victory.
Although the Tigers were later credited with a technical loss to Kansas because an ineligible player participated, they still finished fourth in the final Coaches Poll behind Minnesota, Iowa and Ole Miss.
A long‑awaited acknowledgment
The Senate’s unanimous vote reflects a rare moment of bipartisan agreement on a matter of sports history, underscoring the cultural impact of the 1960 Tigers.
Missouri will celebrate the title during its September 19 matchup against Troy, giving fans a chance to honor the champions on the field.
The university plans to incorporate the championship into its athletic archives and to involve the surviving members of the team in future ceremonies, ensuring that the legacy of this historic squad endures for generations.