The Northern Arizona Wranglers were one of the original franchises, joining the league in 2012 under the leadership of general manager Steve Hruz. The team competed in the West Division throughout its history and experienced a mix of highs and lows over more than a decade of play.

The Wranglers’ inaugural season in 2012 was promising, as they finished 9-5 before falling in the first round of the playoffs to Tucson. However, consistency proved elusive in the early years. From 2013 to 2014, the team endured consecutive losing seasons, failing to qualify for the postseason. In 2015, Northern Arizona bounced back with a 7-6 record, advancing to the second round of the playoffs after defeating Chicago before losing a nail-biter to Milwaukee.

The 2016 season marked an unusual milestone when the Wranglers captured the West Division title despite finishing only 7-6, but they were denied a playoff berth due to league format rules at the time. Another losing season followed in 2017 before a major front office shift occurred in 2018, with Dan Shilts taking over as GM. That year brought another down campaign at 5-9, though the season was notable as Saquon Barkley won league MVP while on Northern Arizona’s roster.

After the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, the team’s fortunes changed dramatically in 2022, when they reached their first-ever Big 12 Championship game. That season featured a Cinderella playoff run: a 6-8 regular-season record, a first-round win over Vegas, and a stunning upset of Cleveland in the semifinals. Ultimately, the Wranglers fell short in the title game against Tucson, but Austin Ekeler earned league MVP honors for his stellar performance.

In 2023, Northern Arizona once again made a deep postseason run after finishing 9-5 claiming the division crown. They advanced to the Big 12 Championship game by defeating Philadelphia in the semifinals before losing to Milwaukee. GM Dan Shilts was rewarded for his efforts by winning GM of the Year. However, the success was short-lived as the Wranglers regressed to 4-10 in 2024 under new GM Jason Richmond, missing the playoffs and signaling the beginning of another rebuild.

Explore the journey of the Northern Arizona Wranglers through the annals of the Big 12 with our comprehensive list of seasons. This documentation outlines the season-by-season records of the Wranglers franchise from its inception in 2012 to the present day. Delve into each season's post-season accomplishments, league awards, and the guiding hands of the General Managers who steered the team through the dynamic landscape of fantasy football competition.

List of General Managers

Embark on a reflection of pivotal leadership in the Northern Arizona Wranglers' history as we highlight notable General Managers who played instrumental roles in shaping the team's destiny. From the tenure of Steve Hruz, who navigated the initial six seasons, to the multiple conference championships under Dan Shilts, to the current reign of Jason Richmond. These astute leaders have left an indelible mark on the Wranglers's journey, contributing to the team's resilience and competitive spirit in the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy football.

Big 12 MVPs

GM of the Year Award Winners