Membership movement continues for CAA Football.
Sacred Heart, currently an FCS independent, will join as a football member starting July 1, 2026.
Sacred Heart had recently left the NEC for the MAAC for its Olympic sports, leaving the football team as an FCS independent in 2024. The Pioneers went 5-6 last year. Merrimack made a similar move with Sacred Heart and is still out there as an FCS independent.
“We are pleased to welcome Sacred Heart University as the newest member of the conference,” CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio said. “In an ever-changing landscape across collegiate athletics and in FCS football, Sacred Heart is committed to competing at the highest level and striving for championships. Sacred Heart is a great fit for the conference academically and geographically, and we look forward to what they will bring to the CAA.”
The CAA has seen several of its blueblood members depart since 2021.
CAA movement since 2021
Losses:
JMU
Delaware
Richmond
William & Mary
Villanova
Additions:
Bryant
Campbell
Hampton
Monmouth
North Carolina A&T
Sacred Heart
CAA Football will move to 13 members in 2026 as Sacred Heart joins UAlbany, Bryant, Campbell, Elon, Hampton, Maine, Monmouth, New Hampshire, North Carolina A&T, Rhode Island, Stony Brook, and Towson.
As an NEC member, SHU reached the FCS playoffs four times since 2013, including back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014 along with 2020 and 2021.
“Joining the CAA begins an exciting new chapter for our university. This move not only strengthens our commitment to athletic excellence, but it also aligns us with institutions that share our values in academics, competition and community,” said SHU President Dr. John Petillo. “We look forward to new rivalries, greater exposure and the incredible opportunities the CAA brings for our student-athletes and fans. SHU football has been a great source of pride as well as a galvanizing element for our community. We’ve been inspired by many of the accomplishments of Pioneers on the football field.”
