Edition #1802
September 28, 2026
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Christian Brothers and Salem have officially been accepted to join the NAIA starting in 2027-28. Salem President Paul Weber: “Joining the NAIA and competing as part of a conference is an important next chapter for our university and our student-athletes. We value the NAIA’s focus on the whole student, supporting success in the classroom, in competition and in life after college. We believe this is a strong fit for Salem and the future of our athletic programs.” (link)
More notable nuggets from the DII CCA membership study. From DII CCA President/GLIAC Commissioner Kris Dunbar: “This study provides valuable information to help us strengthen Division II's future, build on our unique value, and position the division as a destination for institutions seeking a competitive and sustainable model.” D2.takeaways…
➤ Of the 40 DII members that departed from 2017 to 2025, 16 moved to DI, seven closed, seven ceased athletics, four moved to the NAIA, three merged, two moved to DIII and one lost its accreditation. Four NE10 members moved to DI in that time and Commissioner Julie Ruppert told The PICTOR Group: “The NEC (Division I) has more charter members of the NE10 than the NE10 does at this time.” From the report, on the NAIA: “It was shared that NAIA was explored as a lower cost option but primarily considered as a back-up versus a strategic option. As indicated above, of the four institutions that reclassified from Division II to NAIA in the last decade, two of them have subsequently closed their doors completely.”
➤ 76.5% of ADs surveyed rated the value of DII high or very high, with just 4.6% rating the value low or very low. To that end, 70.2% have not “strongly considered” leaving DII in the last 5-10 years, while 21.6% had. Nearly 83% of ADs were at least somewhat confident their school would remain in DII in the next 5-10 years (57.5% very confident and 25.4% somewhat confident.)
➤ Among ADs surveyed, 43.3% believe the division’s greatest strength is the balance between athletics and academics, followed by institutional fit and mission alignment (14.9%) and competitive equity and championship access (12.7%). As for the division’s most significant challenge, 36.6% believe it is financial pressures/higher education issues and 30.6% believe it is financial pressures/rising athletic costs. Commissioners strongly felt higher education issues were the biggest challenge at 71.4%. There was no clear consensus among ADs and commissioners as to DII’s greatest potential strength: revenue generation opportunities: 24.6% and 23.8%; governance or policy modernization: 22.4% and 14.3%; address championship regionalization: 17.2% and 23.8% and clear national identity and messaging: 17.2% and 19.1%. (link, link - full report)
The Protect College Sports Act is actively being debated on the Senate floor. You can check in on those happenings here. (link) The latest with the legislation…
➤ Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) “hopes” for several votes on amendments before the Senate’s final vote this evening on the Protect College Sports Act, including a proposal from Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) to raise the power conference membership cap from 19 to 20 schools, per Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger. Cruz also said he’s held “extensive conversations” with House Speaker Mike Johnson and that he continues to expect the House to return prior to the mid-term elections to take up the bill after Senate passage. Cruz: “The House can pass this in one day.” (link, link)
➤ In response to Cruz’s comments that Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) is “blocking” votes on PCSA amendments, Booker spokesman David Bernstein tells Dellenger that “Sen. Booker is reviewing amendments and may ask for votes on his own.” Republicans have unanimously cleared four different amendments for a vote, per Cruz: Moody (19 to 20 A4 conference cap); Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) (cap on ticket price growth); Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) (broad antitrust exemption); and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) (reporting financial investments). All 100 senators must agree to hold votes on amendments. (link, link)
➤ Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde quotes a House source that says there’s a “0.0% chance” the House returns before election day to vote on the PCSA. (link)
UAH AD Cade Smith has received a three-year contract extension that will increase his base salary to $160K and introduces discretionary incentives that his previous contract did not have. (link)
Across the college athletics universe, the NAIA will vote on a proposal to allow five seasons of competition across ten terms of attendance on November 4. (link)
Ursuline will add men’s basketball as its sixth men’s sport in 2027-28. AD Cindy McKnight: “Men's basketball is an exciting next step for Ursuline Athletics. Basketball has a tremendous ability to bring people together, and we look forward to building a program that reflects the character, ambition and community spirit we value at Ursuline. … We have been intentional about the growth of men's athletics at Ursuline, and each new program adds another opportunity for students to find their place here. Adding basketball allows us to reach prospective student-athletes who are looking for a college experience where they can pursue their academic goals while competing at the collegiate level.” (link)
Point Loma rolls out a new secondary logo and Sea Lions icon logo. Senior Assoc. AD Brian Thornton: “We felt it was time to build on the look and identity we already have and add another logo that gives us, our teams, our university community and our fans a fresh energizing way to show off our Loma Pride. … There has definitely been an appetite for a more fun graphic image that represents our mascot and we wanted to do that in a way that also visually reinforces the tenacity and competitiveness of our programs on the courts, fields and courses.” (link)
The DII Committee on Infractions has found former Mississippi Christian Men’s Basketball AC Sam Newman arranged for two prospective student-athletes to arrive on campus prior to enrollment, live with current student-athletes and receive meals from a GA, receiving impermissible benefits totaling $904. Penalties include one year probation, a two-week ban on men’s basketball recruiting and a $1,808 fine. Newman and former HC Randy Bolden have been hit with a one-year show-cause order. (link)
Division II has rolled out its new Make It Yours campaign, highlighting the ability for DII student-athletes to thrive as students & athletes. The ad features Bentley men’s basketball student-athlete Cooper Farrall, Concordia-St. Paul women’s volleyball student-athlete Makenna Nold, Indianapolis Softball student-athlete Brooklyn Willis and Lewis track & field student-athlete Abraham Christian. (link)
The Indiana Gaming Commission today unanimously rejected the NCAA’s request to ban pregame college player prop bets from its sports betting market, per Sports Betting Dime’s Robert Linnehan, who notes commission members felt restricting the market falls under the jurisdiction of the state legislature rather than regulatory oversight. This comes despite the association’s June submission of support letters from Butler, Indiana and Purdue as well as the citing of 19 other states that have enacted such bans. Indiana Gaming Commission member B.R. Lane, who spoke with gaming regulators from Missouri, Ohio and Louisiana over the last three months in preparation of the discussion, mentioned that while it’s unacceptable for a student-athlete to be harassed, there’s a larger issue at play. “I see so much criminal activity that we’ve kind of glanced over that has been discussed and uncovered today. … I don’t understand, NCAA, if the situation is as serious as you’ve made clear to us today, why you’ve not addressed it in that way. You would have all of our support, I think, in this room. We have a bigger issue here, and the legislature would be the appropriate place to address this.” (link)
Black Hills State and South Dakota Mines are making their longstanding rivalry a formal annual series, sponsored by Ford. The two will compete in 14 head-to-head contests across 11 sports worth varying point totals. South Dakota Mines AD David Crum: “This rivalry has been part of the fabric of the Black Hills for generations, and the Ford Rivalry Series gives us a chance to build on that history. Bringing 11 sports and 22 points into one yearlong competition adds another element to the rivalry and gives more of our student-athletes an opportunity to compete for their institution. We're excited to see this series grow and to share that excitement with our fans.” (link)
People & Places…
➤ Bentley Asst. AD for Compliance and Academics Catie Noons is headed to Bryant (DI) as Asst. Director of Student-Athlete Services. (link)
➤ Converse taps Volunteer AC Mike Simpson as Swimming Interim HC. (link)
➤ Indiana (PA) names Presbyterian (DI) Assoc. HC Lauren Chong as its new Women’s Lacrosse HC. (link)
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities CFO Bill Maki expects eight institutions to see “financial alarm bells” triggered due to low cash reserves by November. Chancellor Scott Olson sent a letter to employees this week stating a quarter of the 33 schools could be in a poor enough financial place to set off a “financial health” warning. Olson: I think we probably will have some campuses that close ... but not institutions. What would probably happen to institutions is that they would align or merge.” (link)
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(Posted from most recent over the last 30 days)
(NEW!) Vice President and Director of Athletics (Rice University / Houston, TX): Rice seeks a strategic athletics leader to drive championship success, strengthen student-athlete experiences, grow revenue, elevate Rice nationally, and navigate college athletics’ evolving landscape. (DI) More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Houston? Click HERE. The D1.dossier for this position can be found HERE.
(NEW!) Senior Vice President - Men's Basketball (Atlantic Coast Conference / Charlotte, NC): Senior leader for ACC Men’s Basketball, driving competitive success, national profile, championship experience and commercial value while overseeing scheduling, officiating and key partnerships. (DI) More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications (Lawrence University / Appleton, WI): This position plays a key role in elevating the visibility of Lawrence Athletics through strategic media relations, digital content creation, live streaming management, and statistical services. (DIII) More details HERE.
Live Video Production Coordinator (Black Hills State University / Spearfish, SD): Join an energetic team to enhance fan engagement and student-athlete experience through exceptional game-day productions and digital storytelling. More details HERE.
Athletics Business Associate (University of Illinois Springfield / Springfield, IL): Lead the business and HR operations for athletics, including providing insight into budgets, policies and staff hiring. Serves on senior staff. Has opportunity for athletics administration duties. More details HERE.
Athletic Trainer (University of Kansas / Lawrence, KS): Kansas Team Health and University of Kansas Athletics are seeking qualified candidates to work as part of a medical model and collaborative team while providing care for our Track & Field Program. (DI) More details HERE.
Commissioner (Southern Conference / Spartanburg, SC): Reporting to the Council of Presidents, the Commissioner serves as the Conference's chief executive officer, providing strategic, administrative, and external leadership for member institutions. (DI) More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Spartanburg? Click HERE.
Associate Athletic Trainer Instructor – Department of Kinesiology (St. Edward's University / Austin, TX): The Associate Athletic Trainer position will work in conjunction with the Head Athletic Trainer to coordinate the care of student-athletes on a day-to-day basis. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer (St. Edward's University / Austin, TX): The Athletic Trainer position will work in conjunction with the Head Athletic Trainer to coordinate the care of student athletes on a day-to-day basis. More details HERE.
Director of Sports Performance (University of North Georgia / Dahlonega, GA): . The director will lead a high-performance environment that supports the development, health and success of all UNG student-athletes. More details HERE.
Athletic Event & Facility Operations Specialist (Fort Hays State University / Hays, KS): The Athletic Events and Facilities Specialist assists with maintaining & preparing facilities to ensure a safe, clean, & professional environment for student-athletes, staff, & spectators. More details HERE.
Part-Time Assistant Swim Coach (Pennwest - California / California, PA): The assistant coach, in collaboration with the Head Swim Coach assists in the direction and administration of the program in a manner that reflects the athletics’ department program goals. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer (University of Texas at Dallas / Richardson, TX): UT Dallas seeks two experienced and energetic athletic trainers who provide education, assessment, treatment and prevention services for athletic-related injuries and illnesses to student-athletes. More details HERE.
Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications (Southeastern Conference / Birmingham, AL): The Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications will provide strategic leadership for the Southeastern Conference’s communication efforts. (DI) More details HERE.
Head Athletic Trainer (Jessup University / Rocklin, CA): Will serve student-athletes, and athletic depart.; oversee the day to day operations of athletic training facility and the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries! More details HERE.
Director of Athletic Communications (Jessup University / Rocklin, CA): The purpose of the Director of Athletic Communications is to oversee and lead the communications and marketing efforts of the athletic department, through both print and digital means. More details HERE.
Assoc. Athletic Trainer (Jessup University / Rocklin, CA): The Associate Athletic Trainer and performs essential athletic training duties and functions to ensure the health and safety of Jessup student-athletes. More details HERE.
Head Men's Volleyball Coach (Jessup University / Rocklin, CA): The Head Coach is responsible for instructing, initiating, developing, and leading a consistently competitive athletic program, including recruiting, scheduling, training, and coaching team members. More details HERE.
Women's Lacrosse Assistant Coach (Northern Michigan University / Marquette, MI): Assist the Head Women's Lacrosse Coach with all assigned duties associated with the intercollegiate women's lacrosse program. More details HERE.
Assistant Women's Lacrosse Coach (Frostburg State University / Frostburg, MD): Full-tIme Assistant Coach for Women's Lacrosse. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach, Women's Basketball (Babson College / Wellesley, MA): Assistant Coach, Women's Basketball at Babson College in Wellesley, MA. Full-time role assisting with coaching and administrative duties. Salary: $53,813 - $59,792. (DIII) More details HERE.
Vice President and Director of Athletics (Tennessee Wesleyan University / Athens, TN): TWU seeks a dynamic and highly relational leader who understands the important role athletics plays in advancing the University's mission, strengthening enrollment, enhancing the student experience. (NAIA) More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Athens? Click HERE.
Head Athletic Trainer (Colorado State University – Pueblo / Pueblo, CO): Provide overall leadership for sports medicine by developing the athletic training vision and strategic direction for CSU Pueblo Sports Medicine. More details HERE.
Jamie and Ellen Pollard Endowed Director of Athletics (Iowa State University / Ames, IA): Iowa State seeks a visionary, strategic leader to serve as its next Director of Athletics and build upon a proud tradition of innovation and competitive excellence. (DI) More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Ames? Click HERE. The D1.dossier for this position is available HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer (Frostburg State University / Frostburg, MD): Full Time Assistant Athletic Trainer. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer (Adams State University / Alamosa, CO): Assistant Athletic Trainer at Adams State University. More details HERE.
Assistant Director of Sports Medicine/Athletic Trainer (Adams State University / Alamosa, CO): Assistant Director of Sports Medicine/Athletic Trainer. More details HERE.
Assistant Director of Events and Services (Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference / Woodbridge, CT): A full-time position responsible for managing championship operations, conference awards, financial procedures, NCAA grants and as the primary liaison for selected sport oversight across the CACC. More details HERE.