What Is 2006 San Diego Toreros football

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2006 San Diego Toreros football team represented the University of San Diego in the NCAA Division I-AA (FCS) season, finishing with a 9–3 overall record under head coach Jim Harbaugh. They won the Pioneer Football League (PFL) championship with a perfect 6–0 conference record.

Key Facts

The 2006 San Diego Toreros finished with a 9–3 overall record
They went 6–0 in Pioneer Football League (PFL) play to win the conference title
Head coach Jim Harbaugh led the team in his second season
The Toreros played their home games at Torero Stadium in San Diego, California
They did not qualify for the FCS playoffs despite winning the PFL championship

Overview

The 2006 San Diego Toreros football team represented the University of San Diego during the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) football season. Competing in the Pioneer Football League (PFL), the Toreros were led by head coach Jim Harbaugh in his second year at the helm, building on a rising program with strong offensive performance and disciplined play.

The team achieved a 9–3 overall record and a perfect 6–0 mark in conference play, securing the PFL championship. Despite winning the league title, they were not selected for the eight-team FCS playoffs, a decision that sparked debate due to the PFL's lack of an automatic bid at the time.

Record: The Toreros finished the season with a 9–3 overall record and an unblemished 6–0 in PFL play, marking their first outright conference title.
Head Coach:Jim Harbaugh, in his second season, led the team to its best performance since joining the FCS in 2003, boosting his national profile.
Home Stadium: The team played home games at Torero Stadium, a 6,000-seat venue on the University of San Diego campus in California.
Offensive Strength: San Diego averaged 35.8 points per game, ranking among the top 10 in scoring in the FCS, powered by quarterback Josh Johnson.
Playoff Snub: Despite winning the PFL, the Toreros were not invited to the FCS playoffs, as the PFL did not receive an automatic bid until 2013.

Season Performance & Key Games

The 2006 campaign featured a dominant conference run and several high-scoring victories. The team opened with a 38–21 win over Division II opponent Western New Mexico, setting the tone for an aggressive offense and resilient defense.

Division I-AA Status: The Toreros competed in Division I-AA (FCS), having transitioned from Division II in 2003, marking their fourth season at the FCS level.
Non-Conference Play: They went 3–3 in non-conference games, defeating Western New Mexico, Cal Poly, and Stetson, but losing to UC Davis, Southern Utah, and Weber State.
Josh Johnson: Quarterback Josh Johnson threw for 2,875 yards and 28 touchdowns, earning first-team All-PFL honors and later becoming an NFL draft pick.
Defensive Stats: The defense allowed 20.6 points per game, a significant improvement from the previous season, helping secure tight conference wins.
Key Victory: A 35–28 win over Butler in October was pivotal, preserving their undefeated PFL record and boosting playoff hopes.
Final Game: The season concluded with a 41–10 victory over Marist, showcasing their offensive dominance in the final home game of the year.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2006 Toreros compare to prior and subsequent seasons in terms of record, conference performance, and postseason outcomes:

Year	Overall Record	PFL Record	Postseason	Head Coach
2004	5–6	4–2	None	Jim Harbaugh
2005	7–4	5–1	None	Jim Harbaugh
2006	9–3	6–0	None	Jim Harbaugh
2007	10–1	7–0	Won PFL, No Bid	Jim Harbaugh
2008	10–1	6–0	Won PFL, No Bid	Jerry Schmitt

The 2006 season was a turning point, setting the stage for even stronger performances in 2007 and 2008. Despite not making the playoffs, the team’s success helped raise the profile of the University of San Diego’s football program and contributed to Harbaugh’s eventual move to Stanford in 2007.

Why It Matters

The 2006 San Diego Toreros season was a milestone in the program’s development, demonstrating sustained competitiveness at the FCS level and enhancing the reputation of head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Program Growth: The 9–3 record marked the best season to date for USD since moving to FCS, signaling the program’s upward trajectory.
Coaching Impact: Harbaugh’s success in 2006 and beyond led to his hiring at Stanford in 2007, launching a major college and NFL coaching career.
Quarterback Development: Josh Johnson’s performance elevated his draft stock, and he was later selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008.
Conference Recognition: The PFL championship highlighted the competitive level of a non-scholarship league, prompting discussions about playoff access.
Recruiting Boost: Success on the field improved recruiting, helping USD attract higher-caliber athletes in subsequent years.
Legacy: The 2006 team laid the foundation for back-to-back 10–1 seasons in 2007 and 2008, cementing a golden era for Toreros football.

Though they missed the playoffs, the 2006 Toreros remain a significant chapter in USD football history, symbolizing the rise of a small program under a future NFL head coach.