College football is expanding rapidly, with 778 colleges and universities nationwide now fielding varsity teams, according to the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame.
Record Growth in 2026
The 2026 season marks the most prolific year for new football programs since 2013, as ten institutions debuted or announced plans to launch teams, including Andrew College in Georgia, Lackawanna College in Pennsylvania, Monroe University in New York, Azusa Pacific University and Whittier College in California, and Saint Mary‑of‑the‑Woods College in Indiana, each representing a distinct pathway from junior college to four‑year competition or program revival.
Additional schools such as Chicago State University in Illinois, Mount Mercy University in Iowa, Schreiner University in Texas and Trinity College of Florida also added new football programs in 2026, while seven more are slated to begin play in 2027 and beyond, indicating sustained momentum across the country.
NFF Chairman Archie Manning noted that the continued growth reflects football’s lasting appeal, while NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell emphasized that the sport drives enrollment, retention, alumni engagement and community spirit across campuses.
The National Football Foundation, accessible at nff.org, continues to champion the sport’s role in higher education, underscoring its strategic importance for institutions seeking to strengthen their brand and student success.