College Athletic Program Changes: Winter 2024/2025 Updates
Staying up to date with College Pipe
As the fall season wraps up and student-athletes prepare for Winter Break, the college sports landscape continues to evolve.
At College Pipe, we’ve compiled the latest changes to athletic programs, including new opportunities, program cuts, and school name updates. This comprehensive briefing is part of our commitment to keeping you ahead of the game with up-to-date information.
Here's what's new:
New Athletic Programs and Schools
The college sports world welcomes several new programs, opening up fresh opportunities for athletes:
NCAA D-III Schools:
- Pennsylvania State University–Penn State Brandywine
- Previously a USCAA member, Penn State Brandywine is transitioning to NCAA Division III, joining the United East Conference after completing the transition process.
NJCAA New Member Schools:
- Mohave Community College (D-I)
- Soccer (Men’s & Women’s)
- Big Bend Community College (D-I)
- Wrestling (Men’s & Women’s)
- Blackhawk Technical Community College (D-II)
- Bowling, Basketball (Men’s & Women’s), Golf (Men’s)
- Northwest Iowa Community College (D-II)
- Soccer (Men’s & Women’s)
- Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (D-II)
- Basketball (Men’s & Women’s)
- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at Rock County (D-III)
- Soccer (Men’s) & Volleyball (Women’s)
Athletic Program Changes
NCAA Schools (D-I, D-II, D-III):
- La Salle University (D-I)
- Adding Baseball, Triathlon (Women’s), Rugby (Women’s), and Acrobatics/Tumbling (Women’s) in 2025
- Seattle University (D-I)
- Discontinuing Men’s Tennis after the 2024-2025 season
- Bridgeport University (D-II)
- Adding Wrestling (Men’s & Women’s) and Swimming/Diving (Men’s & Women’s) in Fall 2025
- D’Youville University (D-II)
- Adding Acrobatics/Tumbling (Women’s) in 2025
- Emmanuel College (MA) (D-III)
- Introducing Wrestling (Men’s) in 2025-2026 and Wrestling (Women’s) in 2026-2027
- Greenville University (D-III)
- Adding Bowling (Men’s & Women’s) and Golf (Men’s & Women’s) in Fall 2025
- Jefferson & Washington College (D-III)
- Adding Wrestling (Women’s) and Volleyball (Men’s) in Fall 2026
- McMurry (D-III)
- Adding Wrestling (Men’s & Women’s) in Fall 2025
CCCAA Schools:
- Allan Hancock College
- Added Volleyball (Women’s) in 2024
- Cerro Coso Community College
- Reinstated Basketball (Women’s) in 2024
School Name Changes
Several institutions have undergone name changes, mergers, or restructuring:
- Baptist Bible College is now Mission University (NAIA)
- IUPUI has split into:
- Indiana University Indianapolis ("IU") (NCAA D-I).
- Purdue University in Indianapolis (branch campus of Purdue with NCAA D-I athletics at the main campus in West Lafayette, Indiana)
- Multnomah University (NAIA) merged with Jessup University (NCAA D-II) and is now called Multnomah Campus of Jessup University (NAIA)
- Southwestern Assemblies of God University is now Nelson University (NAIA)
- Wiley College has changed its name to Wiley University (NAIA)
General Note
One significant update is the NJCAA no longer sponsoring Women’s Lacrosse. Athletes in this sport may need to look into alternative opportunities.
What's Next?
At College Pipe, we continue to update our database to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information. Stay tuned for additional updates in early 2025, including an exciting revamp of athlete profiles and PDF export options to enhance your recruiting journey.
If you have any questions or would like personalized support, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at contact@collegepipe.com or check out our support page.
