Top 15 D2 Schools In Texas (2026)

Texas is home to a strong and competitive collection of NCAA Division II athletic programs, with the Lone Star Conference serving as the dominant league in the state. D2 schools provide a balanced “intermediate” level of athletic competition, offering student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level while benefiting from smaller class sizes and strong academic support.

In fact, one in ten students at D2 schools is a student-athlete, and athletic scholarships are available, similar to Division I . With the recent addition of UT Dallas to the Lone Star Conference and the ongoing transition of Texas Wesleyan to D2, the state’s D2 landscape is growing and evolving.

Top 15 D2 Schools In Texas

1. Angelo State University

Located in San Angelo, Angelo State University is a member of the Texas Tech University System and boasts the second-largest campus among Texas Tech-affiliated universities. The Rams compete in the Lone Star Conference, and the football program was the best in the state in a recent season, going undefeated in conference play with a 9-0 record.

The university has an acceptance rate of 79% and an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 9,623 students. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, and track and field, while women’s sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

2. Texas A&M University – Kingsville

Texas A&M University – Kingsville is a public research university founded in 1925, known for its accredited natural gas engineering program and significant wildlife and citrus research. The Javelinas compete in the Lone Star Conference, and the football program has a new head coach for the upcoming season, bringing with him several key staff members.

The university has an acceptance rate of 93% and an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 5,000 students. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, and track and field, while women’s sports include basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, golf, softball, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and STUNT.

3. UT Permian Basin

Located in Odessa, UT Permian Basin is ranked among the top five universities in Texas for employment after graduation and boasts a 70% acceptance rate into medical school. The Falcons have become consistent competitors in the Lone Star Conference under head coach Kris McCullough. The university has an acceptance rate of 85% and an undergraduate enrollment of 4,654.

Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, football, golf, swimming and diving, and tennis, while women’s sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

4. Midwestern State University

Located in Wichita Falls, Midwestern State is a public university affiliated with the Texas Tech University System and is heavily involved in research, owning the Dalquest Desert Research Station at Big Bend Ranch State Park. The Mustangs football team has a storied program and is looking to bounce back under head coach Rich Renner in his second season.

The university has an acceptance rate of 87% and an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 4,508. Men’s sports include basketball, football, golf, soccer, and tennis, while women’s sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track, and volleyball.

5. West Texas A&M University

Located in Canyon, West Texas A&M competes in the Lone Star Conference and is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in football. Head coach Josh Lynn has been building the program, and with players fully established in his system, the Buffaloes have all of the tools for success.

The university has a high acceptance rate of 97% and a substantial endowment that supports both financial aid and academic programs . The Buffaloes offer a comprehensive athletic program with competitive teams across multiple sports.

6. University of Texas at Tyler

UT Tyler is known for its robust research program and selective honors college, classified as an R2 research institution with high research activity. The Patriots are a member of the Lone Star Conference, with an acceptance rate of 92% and an undergraduate enrollment of 7,287 .

The university offers nearly 125 student organizations and draws students from 45 states and more than 60 countries. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, and track and field, while women’s sports include basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

7. University of Texas at Dallas

UT Dallas is a new member of the Lone Star Conference, beginning competition in the 2025-26 season . The Comets have already distinguished themselves academically, earning the 2025 NCAA Division II Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence with an overall Academic Success Rate of 91%.

The university is an R1 research institution with a strong emphasis on both academics and athletics. Located in Richardson, UT Dallas offers a highly competitive academic environment alongside its growing D2 athletic program.

8. St. Edward’s University

St. Edward’s University is a Catholic institution in Austin founded in 1877 by Reverend Edward Sorin, who also founded the University of Notre Dame. The Hilltoppers compete in the Lone Star Conference and have a strong tradition of academic excellence, with more than 80 Fulbright Scholarships awarded to students since 2004.

The university has an acceptance rate of 84% and an undergraduate enrollment of 2,731. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, and track and field, while women’s sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, STUNT, track and field, and volleyball.

9. St. Mary’s University

Founded in 1852, St. Mary’s is the oldest Catholic university in Texas and is located in San Antonio . The Rattlers compete in the Lone Star Conference and have an active Greek life with over 90 student organizations, encouraging undergraduate research in both STEM and social sciences.

The university has an acceptance rate of 89% and an undergraduate enrollment of 2,147. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, golf, soccer, and tennis, while women’s sports include basketball, golf, soccer, softball, STUNT, tennis, and volleyball.

10. Lubbock Christian University

Lubbock Christian University is affiliated with the Churches of Christ and is located in Lubbock . The university has an active ROTC program and social clubs in place of traditional fraternities and sororities . The Chaparrals compete in the Lone Star Conference with an acceptance rate of 73% and an undergraduate enrollment of 1,320.

Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, and track and field, while women’s sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

11. Dallas Baptist University

Dallas Baptist University is affiliated with the Baptist Church and has campuses in Dallas, Plano, and Hurst. The Patriots compete in the Lone Star Conference, and their baseball team is notable for competing in Division I as a member of Conference USA .

The university has an acceptance rate of 91% and an undergraduate enrollment of 2,850, with an average class size of 16 students . Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and track and field, while women’s sports include cross country, golf, soccer, track and field, volleyball, and STUNT.

12. Sul Ross State University

Located in Alpine, Sul Ross State University is known for its programs in the arts and sciences, small class sizes, and affordability. The Lobos are in their second season in Division II after moving up from Division III, and their football team is still finding its footing in the Lone Star Conference.

The university has an acceptance rate of 96% and an undergraduate enrollment of 1,411. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, soccer, and tennis, while women’s sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. The university is also home to a nationally recognized Rodeo team.

13. Texas A&M International University

Located in Laredo, Texas A&M International University is a public university with one of the lowest acceptance rates among Texas D2 schools at 46%. The Dustdevils compete in the Lone Star Conference and are deeply involved in research with multiple research centers.

The university offers 70 programs of study through its four colleges and schools. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, and soccer, while women’s sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, and volleyball.

14. Texas Woman’s University

Located in Denton, Texas Woman’s University is a co-educational public university with an acceptance rate of 95% and an undergraduate enrollment of 10,260. The university’s main campus is well-known for its library, which houses the Women’s Collection, one of the largest historical collections about women’s history in the U.S.

TWU is unique in that athletics are limited to women, offering women’s sports including artistic swimming, basketball, dance, gymnastics, soccer, softball, STUNT, volleyball, and wrestling.

15. Texas Wesleyan University

Texas Wesleyan University is currently in the process of transitioning to NCAA Division II, having received board approval to formally apply to become part of D2 athletics. The university has a long history of athletic success with 20 NAIA conference championships since 2018.

If accepted, Texas Wesleyan would continue competing in the NAIA through the 2027-28 academic year and begin NCAA Division II competition in 2028-29. The move to D2 is expected to reduce travel demands, increase local rivalries, and improve the student-athlete experience.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Choosing a D2 School

Start by identifying your athletic and academic priorities, as Texas D2 schools offer varying levels of competitiveness and academic focus.

Consider the conference alignment; most Texas D2 schools compete in the Lone Star Conference, which is one of the best-resourced D2 conferences in the country.

Evaluate each school’s location and campus environment; for example, Sul Ross State offers a unique West Texas experience near Big Bend National Park , while St. Edward’s in Austin provides an urban setting.

Research the specific programs of interest; Dallas Baptist baseball competes at the D1 level, while Texas Woman’s University offers women’s-only athletics with unique sports like artistic swimming and gymnastics.

For academic-focused student-athletes, UT Dallas was recognized with the 2025 NCAA D2 Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence, making it a standout for balancing academics and athletics.

Finally, consider the transition status of Texas Wesleyan, which will begin D2 competition in 2028-29, offering a unique opportunity for incoming student-athletes to be part of a program’s growth.

Closing

Texas offers a strong and diverse collection of Division II athletic programs, anchored by the Lone Star Conference and featuring schools that range from large public research universities to small private institutions. Whether you are seeking the highly competitive football programs of Angelo State and Texas A&M-Kingsville, the academic excellence of UT Dallas and St. Edward’s, or the unique women’s-only athletics at Texas Woman’s University, Texas D2 schools provide exceptional opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a high level while receiving a quality education.

With the recent addition of UT Dallas to the conference and the ongoing transition of Texas Wesleyan, the state’s D2 landscape continues to grow and evolve. Note that all information, including conference affiliations and athletic status, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each institution and through official NCAA resources.