The University of Delaware will officially become a member of Conference USA starting on July 1, 2025, which will increase the conference’s membership to 11 institutions.
Commissioner Judy MacLeod expressed enthusiasm for the addition, stating, “Adding the University of Delaware is a tremendous opportunity for Conference USA as we strategically position ourselves for continued success.”
She further highlighted the excitement of partnering with the state’s flagship university, which boasts a strong legacy in both athletics and academics, along with leadership from President Dennis Assanis and Director of Athletics Chrissi Rawak.
A formal announcement of this transition will take place during a press conference scheduled for Wednesday, November 29, at 10:00 AM ET in the Whitney Athletic Center on the University of Delaware campus. This event will be open to the public and will also be live-streamed on YouTube.
“Just like our football team, the whole University of Delaware is on the rise,” stated President Dennis Assanis. He noted that UD is recognized among the top public research institutions in the country, delivering exceptional professional outcomes for its students.
Joining Conference USA is expected to enhance the university’s visibility, showcasing its outstanding academic programs, groundbreaking research initiatives, and lasting impact on both the local community and beyond.
The Blue Hens will participate in various sports within Conference USA, including baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, football, men’s and women’s golf, women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, track & field, and volleyball.
Additional information regarding the competition of the other seven programs will be available in the coming months.
Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak remarked on the importance of joining Conference USA, stating, “The opportunity to join Conference USA is an incredibly proud moment for our entire university.”
She emphasized that this advancement will enhance the student-athlete experience while elevating the university’s visibility and bringing the state of Delaware together.
During the previous season, Delaware achieved five conference championships, secured two NCAA victories, and produced two individual NCAA qualifiers.
The university also boasts well-regarded programs in football and men’s lacrosse, alongside a successful doubles pair in women’s tennis. In the 2022-23 season, nine Blue Hens received All-American honors, with six earning national player of the week awards.
Historically, the Blue & Gold have maintained a strong record in athletics, with an impressive tally of 529 All-Americans, 137 conference titles, and 10 national championships throughout the university’s rich history.
Ranked among the best in the nation, the University of Delaware’s academic programs contribute to its distinguished reputation. The university’s research classification places it in the top 3% of U.S. universities and colleges.
According to the 2024 Best Colleges rankings from U.S. News & World Report, UD holds the No. 76 position among national universities and is ranked No. 36 among public universities.
Additionally, eight undergraduate programs at UD are recognized among the top 100 in their fields, including a commendable No. 5 ranking in chemical engineering.
The university also ranks among the top 50 institutions in the U.S. for veterans and active-duty military. This strong academic reputation translates into success for UD Athletics and its student-athletes.
Balancing their athletic achievements, UD student-athletes have also excelled academically. During the 2022-23 academic year, Blue Hens achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.286—the highest recorded in the department’s history, excluding terms affected by COVID-19.
This accomplishment marks the ninth consecutive year and the 19th straight semester that UD student-athletes have maintained a GPA of 3.00 or higher.
About Conference USA
Conference USA is an NCAA Division I conference dedicated to fostering success in college athletics through committed leadership, dynamic partnerships, and diverse membership.
Established in 1995 and headquartered in Dallas, CUSA currently includes nine schools: FIU, Jacksonville State, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, New Mexico State, Sam Houston, UTEP, and WKU. Kennesaw State will join the league in 2024, followed by Delaware in 2025.
