How Many D1 Football Programs Are There?
When it comes to college football, the Division I level is where the biggest games and the most talented players are found. But just how many Division I football programs exist across the United States? This question is often asked by fans, players, and even those looking to start their own careers in the sport. The answer is both simple and complex, as it depends on various factors including the number of schools that participate in the NCAA’s Division I and the specific conferences they belong to.
As of the 2021-2022 academic year, there are approximately 128 Division I football programs in the United States. These programs are spread across the country, with a significant number of them competing in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The FBS consists of the top-tier teams, while the FCS features programs that are often smaller and have less funding but are still considered Division I.
Within the FBS, there are 130 teams, including the 128 Division I programs and two teams that are not full members of the NCAA but are still considered Division I. These teams are divided into conferences, with the most prominent being the Big Ten, Pac-12, SEC, ACC, and Big 12. Each conference has a set number of teams, with some conferences having as many as 14 or 16 members.
On the other hand, the FCS has 121 teams, with conferences such as the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Ohio Valley Conference, and the Colonial Athletic Association being some of the most notable. These conferences typically have fewer teams than their FBS counterparts, with some conferences having as few as 10 members.
It’s important to note that the number of Division I football programs can change over time. Schools may join or leave conferences, and conferences themselves may merge or split. Additionally, the NCAA may make changes to the divisional structure, which could impact the number of programs in each division.
In conclusion, as of the 2021-2022 academic year, there are approximately 128 Division I football programs in the United States. This number includes both FBS and FCS teams, with the majority of them competing in conferences across the country. As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the number of Division I programs changes in the years to come.
