The Ultimate Guide to NCAA Division 3 Football Programs By State

Are you a fan of NCAA Division 3 football? Are you looking to attend a college that offers a competitive football program at the Division 3 level? Look no further! In this ultimate guide, we will provide you with a complete list of NCAA Division 3 football programs by state. From the east coast to the west coast and everywhere in between, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to discover the top Division 3 football programs in each state and find your perfect fit. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the world of NCAA Division 3 football!

Understanding NCAA Division 3 Programs

The NCAA, or National Collegiate Athletic Association, is the governing body for college athletics, with its scope divided into three distinct divisions. Each of these divisions has its own set of rules and standards. Division 3 is set apart from the others in a significant way – it doesn’t offer athletic scholarships. This doesn’t mean you’re left to fend for yourself financially, though. In lieu of athletic scholarships, Division 3 institutions offer academic scholarships and need-based financial aid, making it a viable option for many student-athletes. With over 250 colleges falling under Division 3, it’s the most extensive division within the NCAA. Now, with this knowledge, you can make an informed decision about whether Division 3 aligns with your academic and athletic goals.

Advantages of Choosing Division 3 Football

When considering a Division 3 football program, one can expect a unique mix of competitive sports and educational focus. With the absence of athletic scholarships in this division, athletes can put their studies at the forefront without the pressure of maintaining a scholarship purely based on their athletic performance. This environment fosters a well-rounded college experience where education and personal growth are as significant as gridiron success.

Division 3 programs advocate for a balanced approach to college life. Here, athletes can immerse themselves in a variety of extracurricular activities outside of football, enriching their overall college experience. Community involvement is encouraged, aiding in the development of leadership and teamwork skills that extend beyond the playing field.

Choosing Division 3 football can also provide an opportunity to build strong relationships with coaches and teammates due to smaller roster sizes. This creates a tight-knit team dynamic and allows for more individualized attention from coaching staff, both of which can enhance your athletic development.

Therefore, a Division 3 program could be the ideal choice for those athletes who wish to compete at a high level, but also value their academics and personal growth during their college years.

Process of Getting Recruited

Getting yourself noticed by the right people is critical when looking to be recruited for a Division 3 football program. Start your journey by putting together a highlight reel that effectively showcases your athletic prowess and football skills. Be sure to capture your best plays, moments that highlight your versatility, and instances that demonstrate your ability to work within a team.

Next, take the initiative and reach out to the coaching staff of the colleges you’re interested in. A thoughtfully written email introducing yourself, expressing genuine interest in their program, and highlighting why you’d be a valuable addition to their team can be instrumental in grabbing their attention.

Conduct in-depth research on the colleges that catch your eye. Understand their academic programs, campus culture, athletic facilities, and historical team performance. If you can, plan a visit to the campuses to get a first-hand feel of the environment. Remember, the college you choose will be your home for the next four years, so it should resonate with you on multiple levels.

Lastly, never underestimate the power of good grades. As Division 3 programs prioritize academics, a strong academic record could potentially tip the scales in your favor. Remember, it’s not just about your skills on the football field, but also your commitment to your studies that can make you a desirable recruit for a Division 3 program.

Overview of NCAA Division 3 Football Programs

With a wealth of options spread across the country, NCAA Division 3 football programs provide a unique blend of vigorous athletic competition and a strong emphasis on academics. These programs are sprinkled generously from coast to coast, offering an array of choices that cater to a multitude of preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the historical charm of the Northeast, the warm hospitality of the South, the vibrant energy of the Midwest, or the breathtaking landscapes of the West, there’s a Division 3 football program waiting to welcome you. The geographical distribution of these programs is impressive, encompassing several well-known athletic conferences such as the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC), the Southern Athletic Association (SAA), and others. Each of these conferences houses esteemed colleges known for their competitive football teams and rigorous academic standards. In the sections to follow, we’ll delve into a detailed exploration of the Division 3 football programs in each of these regions, shedding light on their unique features and offerings. Buckle up as we take this exciting journey across the country, discovering the diverse opportunities Division 3 football has in store for eager recruits like you.

Division 3 Football Programs in the Northeast

The Northeast region, rich in history and educational prestige, is a significant hub for Division 3 football programs. This area is proudly represented by colleges in the highly respected New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). Amherst College, Bates College, Bowdoin College, and Williams College are just a few members of this esteemed conference known for balancing rigorous academics with a competitive spirit on the football field. By choosing to join a program in this region, athletes can expect not only challenging gridiron battles but also an enriching academic journey. The strength of these institutions lies in their commitment to academic excellence, coupled with their passion for sports. This creates an environment where athletes can grow on multiple levels – from developing their athletic skills to enhancing their academic prowess. The Northeast’s D3 programs provide the quintessential college experience, merging the thrill of competitive football with the fulfillment of scholarly pursuits. It’s a unique opportunity for those looking to excel both in the classroom and on the field.

Division 3 Football Programs in the Midwest

The heartland of America, the Midwest, is home to a plethora of Division 3 football programs that uphold the spirit of competitive sports and scholastic achievement. The North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) and the Midwest Conference (MWC) host colleges that stand out for their commitment to both athletic and academic excellence.

Highlighting this region are institutions like Wabash College, Denison University, and Grinnell College. They’ve earned acclaim for their robust football programs that are balanced with a serious dedication to academic endeavors. These colleges uphold the Division 3 ethos of creating a well-rounded college experience for their student-athletes, promoting growth in the classroom and on the field.

Choosing a program from this region will allow you to compete fiercely on the gridiron while engaging in an enriching academic journey. The colleges here are recognized for fostering an environment conducive to both the development of athletic skills and the nurturing of academic potential.

Additionally, colleges in this region typically feature smaller class sizes and more personal attention from faculty members, helping student-athletes excel in their chosen fields of study. This, coupled with the opportunity to participate in other extracurricular activities and community service, enhances the overall college experience, making the Midwest a sought-after destination for aspiring Division 3 football players.

In essence, by opting for a Midwest Division 3 football program, you’re setting yourself up for a holistic college journey, one that champions both your academic and athletic aspirations.

Division 3 Football Programs in the South

The South, known for its warm hospitality and deep-rooted love for football, is the proud home to numerous NCAA Division 3 football programs. The Southern Athletic Association (SAA) and the USA South Athletic Conference serve as the bedrock for these programs, representing colleges that harmoniously blend athletics and academics.

Among the noteworthy institutions in this region are Centre College, Berry College, and Maryville College. They all uphold the Division 3 ethos, striking a balance between academic rigor and athletic competitiveness. These colleges extend beyond just game-day prowess, championing scholastic achievement and community service.

These Southern institutions do more than just train athletes – they cultivate leaders, promoting growth both on the field and in the classroom. The colleges foster a supportive learning environment, encouraging student-athletes to thrive academically while honing their football skills.

An added benefit of choosing a program in this region is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry that the South has to offer. From the grandeur of its historic architecture to the flavorsome cuisine and cordial communities, the South is a melting pot of experiences waiting to be discovered. This vibrant backdrop can add an extra layer of enrichment to your college journey.

Whether you’re driven by the desire to triumph on the football field, yearning for a solid academic foundation, or seeking an engaging community experience, the South’s Division 3 football programs offer an array of opportunities to fulfill your aspirations. Therefore, if you’re looking to combine your passion for football with a stellar educational journey, then the South could very well be your ideal destination.

Division 3 Football Programs in the West

The West, although home to fewer Division 3 football programs compared to other regions, is nonetheless a vibrant hub for student-athletes. With a focus on a balanced college life, colleges like University of Redlands in California and Pacific University in Oregon stand as beacon examples of this ethos. These schools are recognized for their commitment to a well-rounded college experience, where competitive football is coupled with strong academic pursuits. The smaller number of Division 3 programs in this region allows for more personalized attention, fostering a unique player-coach relationship and a close-knit team environment. This can significantly enhance your athletic development and instill in you the values of teamwork and camaraderie. The West also boasts diverse and stunning landscapes, adding an extra layer of charm to your college journey. The potential for outdoor activities can greatly enrich your experience beyond the football field and classroom, providing opportunities for personal growth and exploration. So, if you’re an aspiring football player looking to play at a high level while prioritizing academics and personal development, the West’s Division 3 football programs could be the perfect fit for you.

Complete List of NCAA Division 3 Football Programs By State

Welcome to our comprehensive guide for student-athletes navigating the exciting world of collegiate football. In this curated list, we present the entire spectrum of NCAA Division 3 Football programs across the United States, meticulously organized by state, and complemented with direct links to each school. Our mission is to empower aspiring athletes in their recruitment journey by providing a one-stop resource. Each state entry serves as a gateway to explore diverse opportunities, connect with potential teams, and pave the path to a fulfilling collegiate football career tailored to individual aspirations and goal

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Alabama that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Alabama:

• Birmingham-Southern College: Birmingham-Southern Panthers Athletics
• Huntingdon College: Huntingdon Hawks Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Alaska that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Alaska:

• No Division 3 Football Programs

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Arizona that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Arizona:

• Arizona Christian University: Arizona Christian Firestorm Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Arkansas that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Arkansas:

• Hendrix College: Hendrix Warriors Athletics
• University of the Ozarks: Ozarks Eagles Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of California that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

California:

• Chapman University: Chapman Panthers Athletics
• Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges: CMS Athletics
• La Verne University: La Verne Leopards Athletics
• Occidental College: Occidental Tigers Athletics
• Pomona-Pitzer Colleges: Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens Athletics
• Redlands University: Redlands Bulldogs Athletics
• Whittier College: Whittier Poets Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Colorado that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Colorado:

• Colorado College: Colorado College Tigers Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Connecticut that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Connecticut:

• Trinity College: Trinity Bantams Athletics
• Wesleyan University: Wesleyan Cardinals Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Delaware that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Delaware:

• Wesley College: Wesley Wolverines Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Florida that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Florida:

• Ave Maria University: Ave Maria Gyrenes Athletics
• St. Thomas University (Florida): St. Thomas Bobcats Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Georgia that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Georgia:

• Berry College: Berry Vikings Athletics
• LaGrange College: LaGrange Panthers Athletics
• Piedmont College: Piedmont Lions Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Hawaii that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Hawaii:

• No Division 3 Football Programs

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Idaho that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Idaho:

• No Division 3 Football Programs

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Illinois that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Illinois:

• Illinois College: Illinois College Blueboys Athletics
• Knox College: Knox Prairie Fire Athletics
• Lake Forest College: Lake Forest Foresters Athletics
• North Central College: North Central Cardinals Athletics
• Wheaton College (Illinois): Wheaton Thunder Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Indiana that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Indiana:

• DePauw University: DePauw Tigers Athletics
• Hanover College: Hanover Panthers Athletics
• Manchester University: Manchester Spartans Athletics
• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology: Rose-Hulman Fightin’ Engineers Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Iowa that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Iowa:

• Coe College: Coe Kohawks Athletics
• Cornell College: Cornell Rams Athletics
• Luther College: Luther Norse Athletics
• Simpson College: Simpson Storm Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Kansas that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Kansas:

• Southwestern College (Kansas): Southwestern Moundbuilders Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Kentucky that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Kentucky:

• Centre College: Centre Colonels Athletics
• Thomas More University: Thomas More Saints Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Louisiana that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Louisiana:

• Louisiana College: Louisiana Wildcats Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Maine that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Maine:

• Husson University: Husson Eagles Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Maryland that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Maryland:

• McDaniel College: McDaniel Green Terror Athletics
• Salisbury University: Salisbury Sea Gulls Athletics
• Stevenson University: Stevenson Mustangs Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Massachusetts that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Massachusetts:

• Anna Maria College: Anna Maria AMCATS Athletics
• Curry College: Curry Colonels Athletics
• MIT: MIT Engineers Athletics
• Springfield College: Springfield Pride Athletics
• Tufts University: Tufts Jumbos Athletics
• Western New England University: WNE Golden Bears Athletics
• Williams College: Williams Ephs Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Michigan that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Michigan:

• Adrian College: Adrian Bulldogs Athletics
• Albion College: Albion Britons Athletics
• Alma College: Alma Scots Athletics
• Hope College: Hope Flying Dutchmen Athletics
• Kalamazoo College: Kalamazoo Hornets Athletics
• Olivet College: Olivet Comets Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Minnesota that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Minnesota:

• Carleton College: Carleton Knights Athletics
• Gustavus Adolphus College: Gustavus Gusties Athletics
• Hamline University: Hamline Pipers Athletics
• St. John’s University (Minnesota): SJU Johnnies Athletics
• St. Olaf College: St. Olaf Oles Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Mississippi that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

• Millsaps College: Millsaps Majors Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Missouri that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Missouri:

• Washington University in St. Louis: WashU Bears Athletics
• Westminster College (Missouri): Westminster Blue Jays Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Montana that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Montana:

• Carroll College: Carroll Saints Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Nebraska that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Nebraska:

• Nebraska Wesleyan University: Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Nevada that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Nevada

• No Division 3 Football Programs

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of New Hampshire that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

New Hampshire:

• Plymouth State University: Plymouth State Panthers Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of New Jersey that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

New Jersey:

• The College of New Jersey: TCNJ Lions Athletics
• Rowan University: Rowan Profs Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of New Mexico that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

New Mexico:

• New Mexico Highlands University: NMHU Cowboys Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of New York that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

New York:

Buffalo State College: Buffalo State Bengals Athletics

• Hobart and William Smith Colleges: HWS Statesmen and Herons Athletics
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI): RPI Engineers Athletics
• Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT): RIT Tigers Athletics
• St. Lawrence University: St. Lawrence Saints Athletics
• Union College (New York): Union Dutchmen and Dutchwomen Athletics
• Utica College: Utica Pioneers Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of North Carolina that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

North Carolina:

• Brevard College: Brevard Tornados Athletics
• Greensboro College: Greensboro Pride Athletics
• Guilford College: Guilford Quakers Athletics
• North Carolina Wesleyan College: NCWC Battling Bishops Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of North Dakota that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

North Dakota:

• University of Jamestown: UJ Jimmies Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Ohio that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Ohio:

• Baldwin Wallace University: Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets Athletics
• Bluffton University: Bluffton Beavers Athletics
• Capital University: Capital Crusaders Athletics
• Case Western Reserve University: Case Western Reserve Spartans Athletics
• Heidelberg University: Heidelberg Student Princes Athletics
• John Carroll University: John Carroll Blue Streaks Athletics
• Marietta College: Marietta Pioneers Athletics
• Mount St. Joseph University: MSJ Lions Athletics
• Muskingum University: Muskingum Fighting Muskies Athletics
• Ohio Northern University: Ohio Northern Polar Bears Athletics
• Ohio Wesleyan University: Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops Athletics
• Otterbein University: Otterbein Cardinals Athletics
• Wittenberg University: Wittenberg Tigers Athletics
• Wilmington College (Ohio): Wilmington Quakers Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Oklahoma that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Oklahoma:

• No Division 3 Football Programs

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Oregon that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Oregon:

• George Fox University: George Fox Bruins Athletics
• Lewis & Clark College: Lewis & Clark Pioneers Athletics
• Linfield University: Linfield Wildcats Athletics
• Pacific University (Oregon): Pacific Boxers Athletics
• Willamette University: Willamette Bearcats Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Pennsylvania that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Pennsylvania:

• Albright College: Albright Lions Athletics
• Allegheny College: Allegheny Gators Athletics
• Alvernia University: Alvernia Golden Wolves Athletics
• Arcadia University: Arcadia Knights Athletics
• Carnegie Mellon University: CMU Tartans Athletics
• Delaware Valley University: DelVal Aggies Athletics
• Dickinson College: Dickinson Red Devils Athletics
• Elizabethtown College: Elizabethtown Blue Jays Athletics
• Franklin & Marshall College: F&M Diplomats Athletics
• Gettysburg College: Gettysburg Bullets Athletics
• Juniata College: Juniata Eagles Athletics
• King’s College (Pennsylvania): King’s Monarchs Athletics
• Lebanon Valley College: LVC Dutchmen Athletics
• Lycoming College: Lycoming Warriors Athletics
• Misericordia University: Misericordia Cougars Athletics
• Moravian College: Moravian Greyhounds Athletics
• Muhlenberg College: Muhlenberg Mules Athletics
• Susquehanna University: Susquehanna River Hawks Athletics
• Thiel College: Thiel Tomcats Athletics
• Ursinus College: Ursinus Bears Athletics
• Washington & Jefferson College: W&J Presidents Athletics
• Waynesburg University: Waynesburg Yellow Jackets Athletics
• Westminster College (Pennsylvania): Westminster Titans Athletics
• Widener University: Widener Pride Athletics
• Wilkes University: Wilkes Colonels Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Rhode Island that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Rhode Island:

• Salve Regina University: Salve Regina Seahawks Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of South Carolina that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

South Carolina:

• No Division 3 Football Programs

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of South Dakota that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

South Dakota:

• Dakota Wesleyan University: Dakota Wesleyan Tigers Athletics
• University of Sioux Falls: USF Cougars Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Tennessee that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Tennessee:

• Maryville College (Tennessee): Maryville Scots Athletics
• Sewanee: The University of the South: Sewanee Tigers Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Texas that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Texas:

• Austin College: Austin College Athletics
• Hardin-Simmons University: Hardin-Simmons Cowboys Athletics
• McMurry University: McMurry War Hawks Athletics
• Southwestern University (Texas): Southwestern Pirates Athletics
• Texas Lutheran University: Texas Lutheran Bulldogs Athletics
• Trinity University (Texas): Trinity Tigers Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Utah that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Utah:

• Westminster College: Westminster Griffins Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Vermont that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Vermont:

• Norwich University: Norwich Cadets Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Virginia that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Virginia:

• Bridgewater College (Virginia): Bridgewater Eagles Athletics
• Emory & Henry College: Emory & Henry Wasps Athletics
• Hampden-Sydney College: Hampden-Sydney Tigers Athletics
• Randolph-Macon College: Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets Athletics
• Shenandoah University: Shenandoah Hornets Athletics
• Southern Virginia University: Southern Virginia Knights Athletics
• Washington and Lee University: Washington and Lee Generals Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Washington that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Washington:

• Pacific Lutheran University: PLU Lutes Athletics
• Whitworth University: Whitworth Pirates Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of West Virginia that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

West Virginia:

• Alderson Broaddus University: AB Battlers Athletics
• Bethany College (West Virginia): Bethany Bison Athletics
• West Virginia Wesleyan College: WVWC Bobcats Athletics
• Wheeling University: Wheeling Cardinals Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Wisconsin that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Wisconsin:

• Beloit College: Beloit Buccaneers Athletics
• Carroll University (Wisconsin): Carroll Pioneers Athletics
• Lawrence University: Lawrence Vikings Athletics
• Ripon College: Ripon Red Hawks Athletics
• University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: UW-Eau Claire Blugolds Athletics
• University of Wisconsin-La Crosse: UW-La Crosse Eagles Athletics
• University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh: UW-Oshkosh Titans Athletics
• University of Wisconsin-Platteville: UW-Platteville Pioneers Athletics
• University of Wisconsin-River Falls: UW-River Falls Falcons Athletics
• University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point: UW-Stevens Point Pointers Athletics
• University of Wisconsin-Stout: UW-Stout Blue Devils Athletics
• University of Wisconsin-Whitewater: UW-Whitewater Warhawks Athletics

Here are all the colleges and universities in the state of Wyoming that offer NCAA Division 3 College Football Programs.

Wyoming:

• No Division 3 Football Programs