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Southern Indiana Joins Elite Ranks of NCAA Division I
The University of Southern Indiana (USI) has been officially welcomed into the top tier of intercollegiate athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I, effective August 1, 2025. The NCAA Division I Board of Directors confirmed the Screaming Eagles’ move to full active Division I membership on Monday, June 23, capping off an accelerated transition process.
This milestone positions USI to compete in NCAA Division I postseason championships in all 19 intercollegiate sports starting in the 2025-26 season. USI becomes the 11th official NCAA Division I athletic program in Indiana and joins the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), a league with a rich history of competitive success and academic achievement.
A New Era for Screaming Eagles Athletics
USI’s athletic programs have already demonstrated their prowess, with notable achievements in cross country and track & field. The Screaming Eagles claimed the OVC Men’s and Women’s Cross Country titles in the fall of 2024, and Cross Country/Track & Field runners secured 18 individual championships during the transition period.
“I am thrilled that our athletes who bought into our vision for the program will finally get their opportunity to compete for NCAA Division I championships. It’s a privilege to get the first opportunity on our home course when the NCAA Division I Great Lakes Regional comes to Angel Mounds in November.”Mike Hillyard, USI Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach
Competing at the Highest Level
The university’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in its student-athletes’ average GPA of 3.29 and back-to-back OVC Institutional Achievement Awards for academic excellence. With the transition to NCAA Division I complete, USI’s student-athletes can now earn the right to compete in NCAA Championships.
As the Screaming Eagles embark on this new journey, they will face stiff competition in the OVC. However, with their proven track record and dedication to excellence, they are poised to make a lasting impact in the world of NCAA Division I athletics.
USI Division I Sports
The University of Southern Indiana will compete in the following sports at the NCAA Division I level:
- Baseball
- Men’s and Women’s Basketball
- Men’s and Women’s Cross Country
- Men’s and Women’s Golf
- Men’s and Women’s Soccer
- Softball
- Men’s and Women’s Tennis
- Men’s and Women’s Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor)
- Volleyball
- Women’s Bowling
- Women’s Bowling does not compete in the OVC; Women’s Bowling is an NCAA Emerging Sport for sponsorship at the Division I level
Upcoming Matchups and Events
USI’s first matchups of the 2025-26 season are highly anticipated, with Women’s Soccer set to take on the University of Nebraska on August 14, and Men’s Soccer facing the University of Louisville on August 21. The Volleyball team will host the USI Invitational on August 29-30, featuring matchups against Valparaiso University, Saint Louis University, and Northern Kentucky University.
With their sights set on NCAA Division I championships, the Screaming Eagles are ready to take the field and showcase their skills on the national stage.