Exciting News: St. Francis Joins D-III in 2026 – What This Means for Fans and the Future!

Last week, Saint Francis faced a heart-wrenching defeat when Alabama State’s Amarr Knox sunk a buzzer-beater, knocking the Red Flash out of the NCAA tournament. This loss may have marked the end of Saint Francis as a Division I program.

Just over a week later, the university announced a significant shift. Starting in 2026, all of its athletic programs will transition to Division III. Rev. Joseph Lehman, the chairman of the Board of Trustees, stressed that this decision wasn’t made lightly. He pointed out how complicated college sports have become, with factors like the transfer portal and new payment models overshadowing the passion for the game. He emphasized the need to align the athletics program with the university’s mission and the expectations of their community.

This season was historic for Saint Francis men’s basketball. The team hadn’t been to the NCAA tournament since 1991. Under Coach Rob Krimmel, a former player himself, they defied predictions. They were expected to finish last in their conference but managed a stunning upset to win the tournament and earn their NCAA spot.

However, their journey was cut short. In a thrilling finish, the team had victory in their grasp but stumbled right at the end.

The move to Division III comes amid significant changes in college athletics. With the rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and revenue-sharing discussions, many schools are reconsidering their divisions. Hartford, for instance, recently reached the NCAA tournament but also announced a transition to Division III.

These adjustments reflect a broader trend. According to a recent NCAA report, nearly 80% of college athletic programs are struggling financially. As financial pressures mount, it’s likely we’ll see more institutions follow suit and make similar adjustments to their sports divisions, focusing on sustainability over competition.

Saint Francis’s situation underlines a critical juncture in college sports, where traditional ideas about competition are being reshaped. The focus is shifting towards creating an environment that supports student-athletes while still honoring the spirit of college athletics.



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