Edition #1453

September 28, 2026

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Manchester has officially been accepted to join the NAIA and the Crossroads League starting in 2027-28. President Stacy Young: “From our earliest conversations, it was clear that this was about much more than athletics. We found institutions that share our commitment to student development, leadership, community, educational excellence, and the role faith can play in helping students discover purpose, character, and a commitment to serving others. The Crossroads League offers outstanding competition while keeping students closer to campus, in the classroom, and connected to the communities that support them. We are grateful for the confidence the league and NAIA have placed in Manchester University, and we look forward to contributing to the strength and tradition of both organizations for years to come.” (link)

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) 

Middlebury AD Todd Phelps chats with The Middlebury Campus’ Kanan Clifford to discuss his return to lead the Panthers. After two-plus months in the chair, Phelps’ two goals are to prepare student-athletes for life after college and win. “We’re here to compete for championships. How do we continue to support our coaches, to provide for our student-athletes, so that we can continue to win?” On facility priorities: “I would say the top priority in the next two to five years is going to be Memorial Field House and where that's headed. Nelson Arena, Pepin Gymnasium — I see those as probably priority number one.” On President Ian Baucom’s MiddSaturdays engagement initiative: “We have to make Saturdays on this campus a big deal. It’s the [idea] of wanting people waking up on Saturdays and saying, ‘athletics is the place I have to be.’” (link)

Kraft Analytics Group CEO Jessica Gelman and JaneWallStreet’s Deirdre Lester sat down for a conversation about the evolution of KAGR, as well as the company's recent partnership with the NCAA under President Charlie Baker, which more than doubled the association's consumer database in 18 months to drive new revenue. Key takeaways…

➤ Financial and fan engagement results of the NCAA partnership: “We've more than doubled their consumer base in the year and a half. Like we're far ahead of the expectations and it's leading to significant revenue generation for the NCAA which they have to do … but also it's helping the people who are fans of college sports know when the championships are and that they get to support the college athletes.”

➤ On data proving net-new audiences and unlocking capital: “It's like a net new audience largely for all of these women's sports, the investment is coming in, the sponsorship is coming in because it's not just it used to be, oh, well, we already reach NBA fans, so we're probably reaching the WNBA fans, too. But with data and being able to prove that that is not necessarily true, I think it's opening up a lot of investment and financial opportunity.” (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)

Franklin & Marshall receives a $1M pledge from alum Michael Arnold and his wife, Dana, towards a new track & field facility that will bear the family’s name. The new facility will include an eight-lane track, dedicated jumping and throwing areas and a natural grass field. AD Lauren Packer Webster: “Construction of the Arnold Family Track will provide an incredible asset and advantage for Diplomat Athletics. Modernizing our facilities and bringing them to this section of campus adds another championship-level venue essential for recruiting top-tier talent. This gift will provide us with a world-class training ground, helping to continue positioning Franklin & Marshall as one of the very finest institutions in the Centennial Conference and in our division.” (link)

Concordia Moorhead brought in over $301K from 1,148 donations during its Give to Grow campaign. (link)

Plattsburgh State has broken ground on a new turf field at Chip Cummings Field. (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) 

People & Places…
➤ Scranton selects Misericordia Men’s Lacrosse HC Andrew Hauk as Asst. AD for Development. (link)
➤ Albion parts ways with Football HC Travis Rundle after three-plus seasons at the helm. OC Stephen Wasil will serve as Interim HC. (link)

The Wall Street Journal’s Roshan Fernandez reports that private universities across the country are slashing tuition rates and eliminating student loans to boost application volume and reverse enrollment declines. Carroll College, for instance, will implement a 40% tuition reduction to $26,800 in fall 2027, with AVP of Enrollment Erik Rose noting the new price point still allows the school to maintain financial aid for merit and athletics. Additionally, Coe College will drop its sticker price by 45% to $31,850, while Marist is capping its total costs at $32K for in-state families earning under $200K and Union College guarantees $30K annual scholarships for New York residents. A recent S&P Global Ratings report found tuition cuts do not broadly correlate with sustained enrollment growth, though a Review of Higher Education study revealed a 6.5% increase in Pell Grant recipients at schools that reduced sticker prices. Carleton College President Alison Byerly on the necessity of educating older donors about how sticker shock directly damages the admissions funnel: "They think this one will be too expensive. They don’t wait to get the financial-aid package. They just walk away." (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.

(NEW!) Assistant Men's Basketball Coach (Augustana College – Illinois / Rock Island, IL): Augustana College is seeking a dynamic, energetic and knowledgeable Assistant Men's Basketball Coach to join the staff of one the most historically strong programs in the NCAA D3 ranks. 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. More details HERE.

Director of Athletics (Shenandoah University / Winchester, VA): Lead 75+ coaches and staff to drive competitive and academic success across 23 DIII sports. Expand the Hornets' community impact and athletic fundraising in the Shenandoah Valley. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Winchester? Click 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.

Head Softball Coach (Hanover College / Hanover, IN): Seeking dynamic, resourceful coach to lead a competitive Softball program, including all aspects of planning-managing-maintaining program w/primary emphasis on recruiting quality student-athletes. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Hanover? Click HERE.

Athletic Trainer (Williams College / Williamstown, MA): Williams College is seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Athletic Trainer to join us in supporting our student athletes. More details HERE.

Head Coach, Strength & Conditioning (Stevenson University / Owings Mills, MD): The Head Coach, Strength & Conditioning provides expertise, guidance, and training in the area of strength training and physical conditioning for all intercollegiate athletes. More details HERE.

Assistant Coach - Women's Basketball (Allegheny College / Meadville, PA): Please see full description below. More details HERE.

Interim Head Women's Basketball Coach (Suffolk University / Boston, MA): This position is full-time and time-limited, beginning at the time of hire and continuing through 6/30/27. The individual selected for this interim role is encouraged to apply for the permanent role. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Boston? Click HERE.

Head Flag Football Coach (Ursinus College / Collegeville, PA): Summary and Scope of Position: The Head Women’s Flag Football Coach is responsible for the administration and organization of a successful women’s flag football program. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Collegeville? Click HERE.

Head Softball Coach (Ursinus College / Collegeville, PA): The Head Coach is responsible for the administration and organization of a successful athletic program that competes in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Collegeville? Click 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. (DII) More details HERE.

Athletics Event Management Administrator (Brandeis University / Waltham, MA): Brandeis is hiring an Athletic Event Management Administrator to support the logistical execution and facility readiness for varsity contests at the NCAA Division III level and aquatics operations. 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 Men's Lacrosse Coach (Thiel College / Greenville, PA): Thiel College seeks an innovative and energetic Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach to lead and advance its NCAA Division III Men’s lacrosse program. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Greenville? Click HERE.

Assistant Coach, Women's Hockey (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – RPI / Troy, NY): Assist the Head Coach in managing a Division I women’s hockey program, including recruiting, player development, academic and personal support and on/off-ice instruction. More details HERE.

Administrative Coordinator (Chapman University / Orange, CA): The Administrative Coordinator supports the Athletics Department's daily operations, front office, finances, HR, and fundraising events. Requires collaborating across campus and working flexible hours More details HERE.

Events and Travel Manager - Athletic Administration (Washington University in St. Louis / St. Louis, MO): Manager of Events and Travel - Athletics. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Athletic Communications (Franklin & Marshall College / Lancaster, PA): Assist the Director of Athletics Communication in all areas of media relations, promotion and creative content for the department, executing gameday production and supervising gameday personnel. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Athletic Communications (Loras College / Dubuque, IA): Will assist in the communications and media relations for all 24 varsity athletic programs, including the 23 NCAA Division III athletic teams. More details HERE.

Head Softball Coach (Alfred State College / Alfred, NY): The Head Coach is the person responsible for all aspects of leading a NCAA program in the sport of Softball. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Alfred? Click HERE.

Head Coach MW Swimming/Aquatics Director (Misericordia University / Dallas, PA): Leadership, administration, and overall operation of the swimming program. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Dallas? Click HERE.

Internship and Assistant Track & Field / Cross Country Coach: (Thiel College / Greenville, PA): Thiel College seeks an Intern to serve as Assistant Track & Field / Cross Country Coach More details HERE.

Head Coach - William Smith Tennis (Hobart & William Smith College / Geneva, NY): The William Smith Tennis Head Coach is responsible for the organization and management of a highly competitive NCAA Division III tennis program 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. More details HERE.

Head Coach - Track and Field (Eastern Mennonite University / Harrisonburg, VA): Elevate EMU Track & Field! We're hiring a Sprints & Jumps Head Coach to recruit top talent and inspire academic and athletic excellence. Shape our future champions! More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Harrisonburg? Click 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 Coach Men’s Volleyball (Full-time, 11-month, Onsite) (Wilson College / Chambersburg, PA): Lead Wilson College’s NCAA Division III Men’s Volleyball program, building on recent postseason success while developing student-athletes on and off the court. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Chambersburg? Click 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 HERE.

Assistant Coach Strength & Conditioning/Coordinator of Fitness Center (Connecticut College / New London, CT): We are seeking a dynamic and passionate strength & conditioning coach who is excited about working with some of the top Division III student-athletes in the country. More details HERE.

Assistant Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving Coach (Hamilton College / Clinton, NY): The Assistant Swimming & Diving Coach is responsible for supporting the Head Coach in all aspects of the Swimming & Diving Program for the College. More details HERE.

Assistant Men's and Women's Track and Field Coach (Saint Mary's University of Minnesota / Winona, MN): Responsible for assisting head men’s and women’s cross country and track and field coach in the operation of all functions related to coaching a division III men’s and women’s track and field program. More details HERE.

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