JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — You never finish what you never started. You can’t lose if you don’t play, or exist, for that matter.

The Jacksonville Sharks will feature as the “North Florida Ospreys” putting the Osprey’s vaunted undefeated record (0-0) on April 19 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. 

UNF students wear T-shirts about this kind of thing. This writer went to the school from 2013-2017 and the talk never really went away.

UNF’s lack of a football team is down to costs and Title IX scholarship requirements. The UNF Spinnaker has reported on the possibility of a football team extensively. Athletic Director Nick Morrow told the student publication in 2021 there would have to be a substantial increase in student fees and $80-$100 million needed to revamp facilities. 

Former Athletic Director Le Moon broached the idea around 2012 and 2013, ultimately stating a team wouldn’t happen during his lifetime. With favorable student opinion, former university President John Delaney wanted to seriously consider adding a program. 

However, the almighty dollar and the success of Matthew Driscoll’s men’s basketball team, the “Birds of Trey,” in the mid-2010s diverted attention.

Back to the present. Dubbed alter-ego night, the Sharks will wear custom jerseys with UNF’s emblem, donning school colors and the announcer will refer to the team as the Ospreys. 

UNF’s cheerleaders and band will support the team. Jerseys will be auctioned off at the end of the game, with proceeds benefitting the UNF Foundation and the Jacksonville Sharks Foundation.

“I am so proud to announce the first Osprey football game will be played by the Sharks,” UNF President Moez Limayem said in a press release. “I am grateful to the Sharks for their partnership and support of UNF. We look forward to the game and celebrating the fun-loving spirit of our UNF community.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. April 19, an hour before kickoff.