Delaware is the next FCS program to jump to the FBS, joining Conference USA as a full member effective July 1, 2025.
The two sides officially announced the move on Nov. 28.
Delaware, a CAA member, is currently 9-3 and is competing in the second round of the FCS playoffs this weekend. The Blue Hens have appeared in the FCS playoffs 19 times.
Delaware won the D1-AA/FCS national title in 2003 with appearances in 2007 and 2010. It hasn’t advanced past the second round since outside of a run to the semifinals in the reduced 2021 spring season bracket. The Blue Hens have one of the highest athletic budgets in the FCS at around $48 million, and they ranked 10th in FCS regular-season attendance this fall, drawing 15,564 fans per home game.
“UD ranks among the nation’s leading public research institutions and is recognized nationally for delivering exceptional professional outcomes for our students,” University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis said. “Joining Conference USA will present opportunities to not only broaden exposure of our athletics programs, but also enhance awareness and visibility of our excellent academic offerings, our ground-breaking research initiatives and our enduring impact on our community and the world.”
Per NCAA rules, the football team will not be eligible for a conference title or the FCS playoffs next fall as the transition process begins. In the 2024 season, Delaware will have an FCS schedule that will be announced in the coming months. In 2025, football will compete in Conference USA and will be eligible for a Conference USA regular season championship. In 2026, the football team will be eligible to compete in the Conference USA Championship game and a bowl game.
Delaware would be the first school to pay the increased FCS-to-FBS transition fee, which rose from $5,000 to $5 million in October. The Division I Council adopted new membership requirements for FBS schools and also the cost to transition into the FBS. The FBS attendance requirement change has been replaced with a scholarship requirement. All FBS schools are required to provide 90% of the total number of allowable scholarships over a two-year rolling period across at least 16 sports, including football. Schools are required to offer at least 210 scholarships each year, amounting to no less than $6 million in athletics scholarships offered. Moving forward, for schools applying to transition to FBS beginning in 2024-25 and thereafter, the requirements would have to be met by the end of the two-year transition process.
“The opportunity to join Conference USA is a very proud moment for our entire university,” Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak said. “With this step forward, we will continue to offer an incredible student-athlete experience and elevate the visibility of all that is remarkable about UD. We couldn’t be more excited for the entire state of Delaware and how this will bring the 302 together.”
Delaware joins recent FCS-to-FBS move-ups Jacksonville State, Sam Houston, and Kennesaw State in CUSA.
“Adding the University of Delaware is a tremendous opportunity for Conference USA as we strategically position ourselves for continued success,” Conference USA Commissioner Judy MacLeod said. “We are excited to add the state’s flagship university with its rich history in athletics and academics and look forward to our partnership with President Dennis Assanis, Director of Athletics Chrissi Rawak, and their leadership group.”
