Who's next for a move up to D1?

[Russell Jaslow]

Since 1992 there have been five, and only five, men's athletic team sports added by schools that were in FBS or its equivalent.

Three required a massive eight-figure donation: Penn State hockey, Arizona State hockey, and Utah lacrosse.
One required dropping another men's sport: Oregon added baseball and dropped wrestling.
Two were Michigan: added soccer and lacrosse.

That's it, that's the entire list. So, if the dream is to have a new hockey team at a school that has FBS football (not just Power 5/4/2 whatever, any level of FBS football), find an eight figure donor. Otherwise, it isn't a real discussion.

Rhode Island is FCS and Binghamton is non-football, so maybe. But I'm guessing with the House settlement, opting in, Title IX upheaval, conference realignment, etc. most schools are in a "wait-and-see" mode with their entire athletic departments.

That's a fascinating stat.

 

[Sol Diablo]

Bummer, but hope they can pull it off as soon as stated......

Report: Tennessee State not fielding men's hockey team for 2025-26, aiming to move start to 2026-27 - College Hockey | USCHO.com

After it was first announced in June 2023 that Tennessee State would field an NCAA Division I men's hockey team for the upcoming 2025-26 season, it

www.uscho.com

 

[MilkUniversity]

Started looking at Maryville University after seeing LIU's schedule. Seems like they have been putting up some good results in the ACHA and are getting ready to test the D1 waters against LIU and UAA (along with a trip to Simon Fraser). Lindenwood is just up the road and previously shared an ACHA conference with Maryville, so likely a big incentive for them to move up and further capitalize on the St. Louis hockey market.

"These exhibition games are an exciting step as our university continues to evaluate the feasibility of NCAA Division I men's hockey," said John Hogan, Director of Hockey and Head Coach. "This is us dipping our toes in the water. We have ambitions to compete at the highest level possible, and these games give our players, staff, and school a real sense of what that future could look like."

M1 Saints Release 2025–26 Schedule Featuring NCAA DI Matchups and Elite ACHA Slate - Maryville University Athletics

Maryville University M1 Hockey has unveiled the 2025–26 ACHA schedule — and it's the most ambitious slate in program history.

maryvillesaints.com