National Football Foundation: Record number of college football teams to take the field this fall

By Joe Frollo | Posted 7/23/2015

The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame announced today that a record-number 773 college football teams will take the field this fall.

Since 1978, the number of schools playing NCAA football has steadily increased by 179 schools from 484 to an all-time high of 663 in 2014, an average increase of 4.9 schools per year. The total number includes the addition of NAIA and independent schools playing football.

In the past four seasons alone (2011-14), 32 football programs have been added at NCAA, NAIA or independent institutions. In 2015, football will be played for the first time at:

  • East Tennessee State (NCAA Division I, FCS) in Johnson City, Tenn.
  • Finlandia University (NCAA Division III) in Hancock, Mich.
  • Kennesaw State University (NCAA Division I, FCS) in Kennesaw, Ga.
  • Lyon College (NAIA) in Batesville, Ark.

“No other sport contributes more to the vibrancy of a college campus than football, and we are very pleased to highlight those schools that have added our great game,” NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell said. “University and college presidents clearly see the value of having programs on their campuses, and we applaud them for understanding the role football can play in the educational experience of all their students.”

Eight colleges already have announced their intention to launch or re-start football programs during the next three years, including Cincinnati Christian University, Davenport University, Morthland College, University of Texas-Permian Basin, University of West Florida, University of Alabama-Birmingham, University of New England and Clarke University.

“Football is an American tradition,” East Tennessee State President Brian Noland said. “It builds school spirit, it builds school pride, and it builds engagement – engagement with our students, with our community and with our alumni.” 

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