The Saint Francis University men’s basketball team was most recently part of a March Madness NCAA Tournament moment against Alabama State.
The school announced Tuesday that it will be dropping to Division III after the 2025-26 season. The announcement comes a week after the school fell to Alabama State in the First Four.
The Hornets won 70-68 after a layup with 1-second left in regulation by guard Amarr Knox after receiving a full-court pass.
ALABAMA STATE TAKES A LEAD IN THE FINAL SECOND 😱#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/TktQHBcwo9
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 19, 2025
The school cited the current college sports landscape for making the move.
Saint Francis Chairman of the Board, Rev. Joseph Lehman, highlighted these factors as key influences on the decision, stating, “The governance associated with intercollegiate athletics has always been complicated and is only growing in complexity based on realities like the transfer portal, pay-for-play, and other shifts that move athletics away from the love of the game. ”
Now, Saint Francis be moving all sports to the Division III level, effective at the start of the 2026-27 academic year.
The school, which has been part of Division I since 1973, will compete in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.
Because of the move to Division III, students who are on an athletics scholarship are eligible to keep their scholarships through the 2027-28 season, Yahoo Sports reported.
Division III level schools do not offer athletic scholarships. However, athletes are eligible for other non-sports financial aid agreements.
