Discover Everything You Need to Know About NCAA D1 Schools in Texas — A Complete State-by-Step List

The National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I (NCAA D1) ranks among the most influential collegiate sports frameworks in the United States, and Texas leads the nation in D1 programs, boasting a full slate of competitive institutions that shape athletic excellence, regional pride, and elite student-athlete development. With 16 standout NCAA D1 schools across the state—each vying for national recognition through athletic prowess and academic achievement—the Texas landscape offers a dynamic ecosystem for women’s basketball, track & field, football, and volleyball. This comprehensive guide presents the definitive list of Texas’ NCAA D1 schools, highlighting their histories, programs, and contributions to collegiate athletics.

Each university in Texas’ D1 ranks not only by athletic success but also by academic standards, facility investments, and community impact. For student-athletes and fans alike, understanding the alignment and structure of these programs is key to appreciating Texas’ dominant role in college sports.

The TCU Mavericks: Pioneers in the Heart of Fort Worth

The Texas Christian University Mavericks, based in Fort Worth, are one of the state’s most respected D1 programs.

Founded in 1915 and competing in the Big 12 Conference since 2012, TCU’s D1 basketball squad has earned national attention, producing NBA talents such as Sean Kilpatrick and Cardale Tennessee. Beyond basketball, TCU’s D1 football team consistently competes in Power Five-level contention, emphasizing a balanced approach to athletic and academic excellence. The university’s Camted Sports Complex serves as a hub for training and hosting major events, reflecting TCU’s commitment to elite development.

SRU Voleeers: A Rising Force in Women’s Basketball and Beyond

Though not currently D1, Sam Houston State University’s Voleeers have achieved standout D1 recognition, particularly in women’s basketball, where program growth and competitiveness have surged. With strong community ties and increasing investment in women’s programs, Sam Houston State exemplifies the evolving landscape of NCAA D1 in Texas, signaling potential future expansion and parity across the state’s collegiate athletic ecosystem.

UT Arlington Mavericks: Blending Tradition with Modern Athleticism

UT Arlington’s D1 program, established within the Conference USA (now moving to Conference USA’s successor), brings a regional flavor to Texas athletics.

Known for competitive football and emerging strength in women’s sports, UT Arlington emphasizes inclusivity and academic support, ensuring student-athletes thrive beyond the field. The university’s facilities, including state-of-the-art training centers, underscore a forward-looking vision for NCAA D1 participation and development.

Stephen F.

Austin Lumberjacks: Sports Culture Rooted in Regional Heritage

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Lumberjacks, competing in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), have built a reputation for grit, tradition, and strong community engagement. While historically recognized in football, SFA’s D1 athletics — including track & field and volleyball — reflect a growing emphasis on balanced excellence.

The university’s commitment to student-athlete development, paired with energetic school spirit, makes the Lumberjacks a compelling voice in Texas’ D1 identity.

Track and Field Powerhouses at UTA and Utdal

Although not full D1 programs, affordable private institutions such as the University of Texas at Arlington’s athletics offerings and smaller schools occasionally contribute to Texan track & field depth. UTDal’s evolving sports programs, while not D1-tier, reflect broader trends in accessible collegiate athletic opportunities that support the state’s layered sports culture.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders: Baylor’s Competitive Counterpart

While Texas Tech operates at D1 status as part of the Big 12, its rivalry with Texas creates some of college sports’ most heated matchups. The Red Raiders’ D1 football and basketball teams consistently rank among the nation’s elite, driving regional pride and athletic innovation. Notably, Tech’s volleyball and basketball programs have achieved national recognition, reinforcing Texas’ reputation as a D1 powerhouse with deep athletic DNA in cities across the state.

Facility Innovation Across Texas D1 Campuses

Over the past decade, Texas D1 schools have invested billions in world-class facilities that elevate training, fan engagement, and recruiting. From UTD’s advanced performance centers to Sam Houston State’s upgradedacenters, these investments reflect a strategic push to maintain competitive edges. Facilities now routinely include cutting-edge sports science labs, recovery units, and multi-use stadiums equipped for both competition and community access.

Academic Excellence as a Pillar of NCAA D1 Success

True to NCAA D1 standards, Texas’ complete slate emphasizes academic rigor alongside athletic achievement. Institutions prioritize graduation rates, credit completion, and post-graduation outcomes, ensuring student-athletes graduate at rates above national averages. Academic support centers, tutoring, and transfer program integration are standard, proving that Texas D1 schools foster whole-person development.

As one former TCU athletic director noted: “Athletics win visibility, but academics define legacy—our D1 programs prepare graduates for life beyond sports.”

Whether through historic programs like TCU’s basketball tradition or emerging forces such as the Sam Houston State Voleeers, Texas’ NCAA D1 landscape offers a rich tapestry of competition, innovation, and community impact. The 16-member structure reflects not just athletic strength but Texas’ deep cultural investment in student-athlete excellence. This comprehensive list captures more than just schools and sports—it documents a living system where tradition meets transformation, where regional pride fuels excellence, and where every match, game, and achievement adds depth to Texas’ enduring legacy in collegiate athletics.