Edition #902

September 25, 2026

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LSU Alexandria AD Tyler Unsicker will depart after five years for the same position at Texas A&M International (NCAA DII). Chancellor Elizabeth Beard: “Tyler came to LSUA at a time when Athletics was ready for its next chapter, and he helped move the program into a more competitive and sustainable era. He brought a 'yes, we can' mindset to the work, hired seven new coaches in five years, expanded our athletic facilities, and strengthened the financial foundation of the department. But what has always impressed me most about Tyler is that, even while thinking big, he never lost sight of the people at the heart of the work. He knows our student-athletes by name, celebrates their successes, and cares deeply about their experience at LSUA. LSUA Athletics is in a stronger position today because of his leadership, and we are grateful for his service.” (link)

Salem (NCAA DII) has applied to join the NAIA and the River States Conference according to WBOY’s Eric Minor. From Salem’s application, the university is seeking NAIA membership due to the alignment of values, the ability to find a conference home as the Tigers are currently independent, high-quality competition and historical precedence of having previously been a member of the NAIA for nearly eight decades. A Change.org petition to keep Salem in DII has garnered over 1,800 signatures. (link)

Mark your calendars, set your alarms and get your popcorn ready: The Protect College Sports Act is set for a final Senate vote on Monday at 5:30pm ET, per Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger. (link)

Front Office Sports’ Amanda Christovich unpacks how House Republicans could eventually make-or-break the passage of the Protect College Sports Act with a large bloc, led by Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI), Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY), and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), having raised strong objections to multiple aspects of the bill’s text throughout the process. “In the time since the earliest criticisms, the PCSA has gone through several new iterations—but the revisions haven’t addressed the concerns these Republicans previously raised.” Conservative lawmakers are continuing a push for a full ban on student-athletes being classified as employees rather than the PCSA's current "neutrality" clause, as well as a 20% cap on international roster spots via the newly proposed TEAM USA Act. GOP concerns also focus on potential litigation risks stemming from the "private right of action" provision, conference realignment limitations and designated HBCU funding. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) noted the chamber will address the legislation when returning from recess following the November midterm elections, though any House amendments would force a time-sensitive Senate return prior to the end of the congressional session. (link)

The RRAC is expanding its partnership with Urban Edge Network to launch a dedicated sports network. Commissioner Jason Horn: “This isn't just a media partnership—this is a game-changer for the Red River. The Red River Sports Network, powered by UEN, places our student-athletes center stage, giving them the spotlight they've earned while connecting our alumni and fans like never before. UEN brings energy, top-tier technology, and a shared passion for telling our story. We are amped to build a premier digital sports destination that elevates every institution in our conference.” As part of the multi-year deal: “To guarantee consistent, high-quality viewing across every event, UEN is providing dedicated production support and technology enhancements tailored to each RRAC school. Upgrades include modern camera packages, advanced encoders and switchers, enhanced audio equipment, and streamlined streaming workflows. In addition, UEN is deploying cutting-edge Spiideo automated production technology across participating venues, ensuring seamless automated capture and top-quality, broadcast-standard coverage.” (link)

Wilberforce is bringing back football after 80 years starting in 2027 under the direction of HC Earnest Wilson, who was previously an AC at Edward Waters (NCAA DII). From WU: “The return of football also supports a larger institutional vision. University leaders see athletics as another avenue for attracting talented students, increasing enrollment, strengthening retention, developing leaders, and reconnecting alumni with their alma mater. The University's existing football plan identifies a strategic enrollment goal of 1,500 students and views football as one potential contributor to enrollment growth, student retention, and alumni engagement. A football stadium can amplify that impact. … There is much to accomplish before that first kickoff. Players must be recruited. Equipment must be purchased. Coaches and support systems must be put in place. Partnerships must be developed. Resources must be secured. And the vision for a permanent home for Bulldog football must move from concept toward reality. But the work has begun.“ (link)

Deal Corner…
➤ The NAIA signs a three-year deal with DegreeSight to be the association’s official credit evaluation platform. (link)
➤ The NAIA also expands its partnership with Big Game to be the official NAIA Women’s Flag Football ball through August 2029. (link)
➤ The KCAC inks a three-year partnership with Spry to provide its membership with access to a platform to help streamline and centralize communications and operation. (link)
➤ Arizona Christian announces a partnership with 7Pillar to support student-athlete development. (link)

Coaches Corner…
➤ Hastings taps Volunteer AC Brandon Carrera as Women’s Flag Football Interim HC. (link)
➤ IU Southeast selects Marion Military (NJCAA) AC Tyler Yotkewich as its new Baseball HC. (link)
➤ Rochester Christian names Athletic Operations Specialist Ken Perry as its first Women’s Flag Football HC. (link)

The U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings have been released. NAIA members were led by Marian (IN) and St. Francis (IL) (T-276th), Xavier (LA) (T-317) and William Carey (T-365) among the top-ranked national universities. Among the top liberal arts colleges, Soka led the NAIA (T-41), Overall survey participation among ranked institutions dropped to 73% (down from 79% last year). The set of ranking factors for this year’s edition had one alteration with postgraduate earnings by major replaced graduate indebtedness at 5% of the overall ranking formula. (link)

In yesterday’s CFO.ticker: Inside Higher Ed's Johnanna Alonso reports that colleges and universities are expanding investments in campus tour experiences to drive student enrollment as a recent survey by Niche found that 92% of enrollment leaders at small institutions view campus visits as their single most important recruitment strategy. Tour volume at Albion College grew 23% since 2022, which offers an $8K four-year scholarship ($2K annually) to any admitted student who completes a campus tour. VP of Enrollment Management Mandy Konkle explains: “We decided to do this because we know that students aren’t going to choose us if they don’t see us. … So while $2,000 may not seem like a lot to some families for one year, $8,000 over the course of four years is important.” (link); Read more about Red Bull’s $1.7B sports marketing surge and how a global diesel shortage is draining fuel storage capacity in the full edition. (link)

Interested in advertising a department opening in NAIA.ticker? Click here to submit your position. Post your department-wide openings with CollegeSports.jobs, where thousands of administrators coaches get news and updates about the world of college sports.

(Posted from most recent over the last 30 days)

(NEW!) 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.

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.

Part-Time Assistant Track & Field/Cross Country Coach (University of Pikeville / Pikeville, KY): The University of Pikeville is seeking an innovative professional for the position of Part-time Assistant Track & Field/ Cross Country Coach within the Athletic Department. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Trainer (Lindsey Wilson University / Columbia, KY): Lindsey Wilson University is searching for an Assistant Athletic Trainer. 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 Archery & Shotgun Sports Coach (Missouri Valley College / Marshall, MO): Missouri Valley University seeks an energetic, visionary, and student-centered Head Coach to provide leadership for the Universities Men's and Women's Archery/Shotgun team. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Marshall? 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. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Athens? 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 available HERE.

Head Track & Field Coach (Missouri Valley College / Marshall, MO): Missouri Valley College seeks an energetic, visionary, and student-centered Head Track & Field Coach to provide leadership for the College's men's and women's track & field programs More details HERE.

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