You've probably heard the term "D1" thrown around like it's some exclusive club for the elite. And honestly, in many ways, it is. But if you’re trying to pin down exactly what schools are division 1 in 2026, you'll realize the landscape is shifting faster than a point guard on a fast break. The days of a static list of "big schools" are gone. We’ve entered an era of massive conference realignments, "super-conferences," and schools jumping divisions like they're switching outfits.
Basically, there are about 364 schools currently classified as NCAA Division I. That number fluctuates slightly every year as schools like Delaware or Missouri State move up, or others—like Saint Francis University, which is heading to D3 after this academic year—decide the cost is just too high.
It’s a world of haves and have-nots. You have the giants like Ohio State and Alabama, and then you have the smaller, specialized schools like Wofford or Presbyterian. They all share the "D1" label, but their daily realities couldn't be more different.
The Big Names: Understanding the Power Four
When most people ask what schools are division 1, they’re usually thinking of the "Power Four." These are the conferences that generate billions in TV revenue and dominate your Saturday afternoon television.
- The Big Ten: This conference isn't just about the Midwest anymore. It’s a coast-to-coast behemoth. You’ve got the classics like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State, but now they’re joined by former West Coast staples USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington.
- The SEC: Generally considered the king of college football. It’s where Alabama, Georgia, and LSU live. Recently, they added Texas and Oklahoma, effectively gutting the old Big 12 of its blue-bloods.
- The Big 12: They lost their biggest brands but responded by gobbling up schools like Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, and Colorado. It's a scrappy, high-scoring league now.
- The ACC: Even with all the lawsuits and rumors of schools wanting to leave, the ACC remains a D1 powerhouse with Clemson, Florida State, Duke, and North Carolina. They even reached across the country to grab Stanford and UC Berkeley.
The Rebirth of the Pac-12 (2026 Edition)
You might have heard the Pac-12 "died" a couple of years ago. Well, sort of. For a while, it was just Oregon State and Washington State sitting in an empty house. But as of 2026, the Pac-12 is officially rebuilding.
They’ve pulled in a group of high-performing schools to get back to the required eight-member minimum. Starting this year, the "new" Pac-12 includes Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State, San Diego State, Utah State, and Texas State. Even Gonzaga—a basketball deity—is joining as a non-football member.
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It's a fascinating case of a "zombie conference" coming back to life because the D1 brand name is just that valuable.
Beyond the "Power" Schools: The Mid-Majors
Not every D1 school has a 100,000-seat stadium. In fact, most don't. A huge chunk of the schools that answer the question of what schools are division 1 are actually "mid-majors." These schools often provide the "Cinderella" stories we love during March Madness.
Think about the Atlantic 10 (Dayton, VCU, Saint Louis) or the Mountain West (which just lost its biggest stars to the Pac-12 but is restocking with UTEP and Hawaii). There's also the Ivy League. Yes, Harvard, Yale, and Princeton are D1. They don't offer athletic scholarships, which is a weird quirk, but they play at the highest level of competition nonetheless.
Then you have the FCS—the Football Championship Subdivision. This is a sub-tier of D1 for football only. Schools like North Dakota State, South Dakota State, and Montana are absolute legends in this space. They are D1 in every sense of the word, but they play for a different football trophy than the "big guys" in the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision).
Why Schools Fight to Stay D1
It’s expensive. Kinda terrifyingly so. To be a D1 school, you have to sponsor at least 14 sports (seven for men, seven for women, or six for men and eight for women). You have to provide a minimum amount of financial aid and scholarships.
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So why do it?
Visibility. When a school like Florida Gulf Coast or UMBC pulls an upset in the NCAA tournament, applications to that university skyrocket. It’s called the "Flutie Effect." Basically, being D1 is the loudest, most effective marketing tool a university has. It’s why schools like Kennesaw State and Delaware have recently fought through the expensive three-year "reclassification" process to move up from Division II.
What It Takes to Be a D1 Athlete
If you're a student-athlete looking at what schools are division 1, the requirements are strict. You can't just be good at your sport; the NCAA Eligibility Center acts as a gatekeeper.
As of 2026, the "standard" path requires 16 core courses in high school. You need four years of English, three years of math, and a mix of sciences and social studies. Your GPA in these specific 16 classes needs to be at least a 2.3.
Interestingly, the NCAA has moved away from requiring the SAT or ACT for eligibility. They realized those tests weren't always the best predictors of college success. Now, it's all about those 16 core courses and your ability to keep your grades up while essentially working a full-time job as an athlete.
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Realities of the 2026 Landscape
We’re seeing a massive divide in D1 right now. The "super-conferences" (SEC and Big Ten) have so much money that they are starting to look like professional leagues. Meanwhile, smaller D1 schools in conferences like the Horizon League or the Southland Conference are struggling to keep up with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) payments.
It’s not all sunshine and Rose Bowls. Some schools are realizing they can't afford the D1 lifestyle anymore. Saint Francis University is a prime example—they’re dropping to Division III to focus on a more sustainable model. It’s a reminder that "D1" isn't a permanent status; it's an expensive commitment.
How to Find Your Fit
If you're searching for what schools are division 1 because you want to play there, or even just attend a school with that "vibe," remember that the label covers a massive range of experiences.
- Check the Conference: A school’s conference tells you who they play, how much travel is involved, and what kind of TV coverage they get.
- Look at the Subdivision: If you’re a football fan, know the difference between FBS (the big bowls) and FCS (the playoff bracket).
- Evaluate the "NIL" Scene: In 2026, a school’s ability to help athletes make money is a huge factor in their D1 "ranking."
- Academic Alignment: Don't forget that a D1 degree from Stanford is a different animal than one from a massive state school or a tiny private college.
The list of Division I schools is a living document. Whether it's the Pac-12's resurrection or the SEC's expansion, the only constant is that nothing stays the same for long.
Next Steps for Your Search
Check the official NCAA Directory for the most updated list of the 364 member institutions. If you are a high school athlete, your first move should be registering with the NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure your 16 core courses are on track before your senior year begins.