Orange Coast College (OCC) announced that it will suspend its football program for the entire 2026 season, marking the second time the school has paused the sport since it first fielded a team in 1948.
A Legacy of Success
The program enjoyed two Junior College national championships in 1963 and 1975, achievements that still echo across the campus. Under the guidance of coach Dick Tucker, the 1975 squad went undefeated at 11‑0 and featured star running back Tony Accomando, who amassed 1,155 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns.
Since 2018 the team has compiled a 10‑53 record, including four seasons that ended 1‑9 and a winless 0‑10 campaign in 2025 under Coach Joel Gonzalez. The final game, a 60‑3 loss to Pasadena City on November 8, 2025, left a nine‑month gap without competitive play.
Rebuilding the Foundation
The pause is intentional, giving the college a chance to overhaul recruitment strategies, upgrade coaching staff, and invest in facilities such as LeBard Stadium, which has previously hosted training sessions for teams like the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Athletic director Jason Kehler and student‑services leader Angelica Suarez emphasized that the hiatus will be used to improve the overall student‑athlete experience, streamline academic support, and modernize weight‑training resources.
A Return Targeted for 2027
Officials have set a goal to bring the program back in the fall of 2027, aiming to restore the competitive edge that once placed OCC among the nation’s top junior‑college football powers. The college remains confident that the strategic adjustments will translate into a resurgence on the field.