If you’re hunting for d2 schools in Oregon, you might be surprised to find that the list is... well, it’s short. Actually, it’s basically just one. If you’re looking at a map of the Pacific Northwest and expecting a massive cluster of NCAA Division II athletics like you’d find in the Midwest or the South, you’re in for a reality check.
Most people think there are a handful. They remember Concordia University Portland (rest in peace, 2020) or they assume the bigger NAIA schools have made the jump. But as we sit here in 2026, the landscape is lonely. Western Oregon University is the lone wolf holding down the fort.
The Lone Survivor: Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University (WOU), located in the quiet town of Monmouth, is the only full member of the NCAA Division II in the state. They’ve been at this since the late 90s, migrating from the NAIA. Honestly, it’s a weird spot to be in. Being the only D2 school in a state dominated by Oregon and Oregon State (D1) or the massive list of small D3 and NAIA schools means WOU has to look outside the state lines for basically everything.
They play in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC). This isn’t a local bus ride league. We’re talking about trips to Washington, Alaska, and even British Columbia. If you’re a student-athlete here, you’re getting very familiar with regional airports.
The WOU Wolves are a big deal in Monmouth. They offer about 14 varsity sports. Baseball is a standout—they've historically been a powerhouse in the GNAC. Football is another story. Because the GNAC doesn't have enough football-playing members to maintain a conference, WOU plays as an affiliate member of the Lone Star Conference.
Yes, you read that right. A school in Monmouth, Oregon, is in a football conference with schools in Texas and New Mexico. The travel budget must be a nightmare. Imagine flying to Wichita Falls, Texas, for a Saturday afternoon kickoff and then trying to get back for a Monday morning Biology lab.
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Why aren't there more?
It comes down to money and geography.
Oregon is a weird state for college sports. You have the "Big Two" in the Big Ten (Oregon) and the... well, whatever is left of the Pac-12 (Oregon State). Then you have a massive middle ground. Schools like Southern Oregon, Eastern Oregon, and Oregon Tech are happy in the NAIA. Moving to D2 is expensive. You have to increase scholarships, upgrade facilities, and pay massive application fees to the NCAA.
Concordia Portland tried it. They were a D2 staple for a few years, but the financial strain eventually contributed to the entire university shutting its doors in 2020. That sent a bit of a shockwave through the region.
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The "Almost" D2 Schools: The NAIA Factor
When people search for d2 schools in Oregon, they are often actually thinking of the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC). This is an NAIA conference, but the level of play is frequently on par with Division II.
- Southern Oregon University (Ashland): The Raiders are a national power in the NAIA. They’ve won national titles in football (2014) and are constantly in the mix for wrestling and cross country. People often assume they are D2 because they "feel" big.
- Eastern Oregon University (La Grande): Another NAIA stalwart. They’ve got a massive footprint in the eastern part of the state.
- Oregon Tech (Klamath Falls): Famous for basketball. The "Hustlin' Owls" have a gymnasium that is one of the toughest places to play in small college sports.
There was talk, years ago, about Southern Oregon or maybe George Fox (D3) looking at D2. It never happened. The costs just didn't make sense. In the current 2026 climate, where NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and the transfer portal are trickling down even to the lower levels, staying in a stable NAIA conference looks a lot smarter than jumping into the chaotic world of the NCAA.
What it’s like to be a D2 Athlete in Monmouth
Basically, it’s about the "Life in the Balance" philosophy that the NCAA D2 promotes. It’s supposed to be better than D1 because you aren't a full-time athlete who happens to go to class. But it's more intense than D3 because there is scholarship money on the line.
At Western Oregon, the average GPA for female athletes often hovers around a 3.4. For the guys, it’s usually over a 3.0. These aren't people looking to go pro in the NFL; they’re people looking to be teachers, nurses, and business owners in the Willamette Valley.
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But don't let the "student" part fool you. The GNAC is a tough league. When Western Washington or Central Washington comes to town, it’s a battle. The rivalry between WOU and Central Washington is legit—often called the "Battle for the PNW" in D2 circles.
Breaking down the WOU Wolves lineup:
- Football: Lone Star Conference affiliate. Tough, gritty, and lots of Texas travel.
- Basketball: A GNAC staple. The New PE Building in Monmouth gets loud.
- Baseball/Softball: Historically very successful.
- Track & Cross Country: WOU has produced several All-Americans here. The Oregon weather is perfect for distance runners.
The Reality of Recruiting in the PNW
If you’re a high school recruit looking for d2 schools in Oregon, you have exactly one option in-state. If you don't fit at WOU, you're heading to Washington (Saint Martin's, Seattle Pacific, Central Washington, Western Washington) or maybe Idaho (Northwest Nazarene).
This gives WOU a bit of a recruiting edge for local kids who want that "D2 scholarship" but want to stay in Oregon. You get the small-town vibe of Monmouth but the prestige of the NCAA logo on your jersey.
Actionable Steps for Potential Student-Athletes
If you are actually looking to play at this level, don't just wait for a coach to call.
- Check the Portal: Even D2 schools are heavy into the transfer portal now.
- Film is King: Since there’s only one D2 school in the state, WOU coaches can't be everywhere. They rely on Hudl and YouTube.
- Compare the Costs: Sometimes, an NAIA school like Southern Oregon can offer a better financial package through "institutional aid" than a D2 school can with a partial athletic scholarship.
- Visit Monmouth: It’s a specific vibe. If you like big cities, it’s not for you. If you like being 20 minutes from Salem and an hour from the coast, it’s perfect.
The "D2 landscape" in Oregon is essentially a story of one school standing its ground while everyone else decided the NAIA or D3 was a safer bet. It makes Western Oregon University a bit of an outlier, but also a very unique place for college sports fans to visit.
If you're planning to catch a game, head to McArthur Field. It’s one of the few places in the state where you can see high-level NCAA football without the 60,000-person crowd and the $100 parking. It’s authentic, it’s local, and it’s the only D2 game in town.