Phillip EdwinTexas is home to a powerhouse collection of NCAA Division I athletic programs, featuring schools that compete at the highest level of college sports. These institutions range from Power Conference blue-bloods in the SEC and Big 12 to competitive mid-major programs that offer strong athletic and academic opportunities.
With the recent conference realignment, Texas now boasts schools across multiple major conferences, including the SEC, Big 12, ACC, and American Athletic Conference. Whether you are a prospective student-athlete looking for elite competition or a fan seeking the best game-day experiences, Texas offers a D1 school for every interest and career path. The state’s universities are known for their passionate fan bases, historic rivalries, and championship-winning programs.
Top 15 Division 1 Schools In Texas
1. University of Texas at Austin (Texas Longhorns)
The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship public university of Texas and one of the most recognizable athletic brands in the country, competing in the SEC as a founding member of the conference’s new era. The Longhorns have produced numerous national championships across multiple sports, including football national titles, and have developed NBA stars such as Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge.
With top-tier facilities including the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium and the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, UT Austin consistently ranks among the nation’s best in both athletics and academics. The UT-Austin campus is located in the state capital and offers student-athletes access to one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
2. Texas A&M University (Aggies)
Texas A&M University is a flagship public research university in College Station and a founding SEC member with one of the largest and most passionate fan bases in college sports history. Known for the famous 12th Man tradition and Kyle Field, one of the largest stadiums in the country, the Aggies have won national championships in football and baseball and consistently compete at the highest levels of D1 athletics.
Texas A&M holds one of the most historic rivalries in college sports with the University of Texas, famously known as the Lonestar Showdown, drawing massive audiences every year. The university is also a Division I FBS member with a long history of conference titles across multiple sports including football, basketball, and baseball.
3. Texas Tech University (Red Raiders)
Located in Lubbock, Texas Tech University competes in the Big 12 Conference and reached the national championship game in men’s basketball, solidifying its status as a premier D1 program. The Red Raiders are known for their passionate fan support at Jones AT&T Stadium and the United Supermarkets Arena, creating one of the most intimidating home-court advantages in the country. Texas Tech has consistently produced competitive teams in football, baseball, and track and field, making it a top choice for student-athletes seeking a Power Conference experience in West Texas.
4. Baylor University (Bears)
Baylor University, a private institution in Waco, is a member of the Big 12 Conference and won the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship under head coach Scott Drew, establishing the Bears as one of the premier programs in the country. The university has invested heavily in athletics facilities, including the state-of-the-art McLane Stadium and the Ferrell Center. Baylor consistently competes at a high level in football, baseball, and track and field, making it a top-tier D1 destination. As a private university with a strong academic reputation, Baylor offers student-athletes an elite athletic and educational experience.
5. University of Houston (Cougars)
The University of Houston is a public research university in Houston that competes in the Big 12 Conference, bringing its storied basketball program back to major conference prominence. The Cougars have a rich Final Four history and have produced numerous NBA players, while the football program has strong tradition in the Houston area. UH boasts the state-of-the-art TDECU Stadium and the Fertitta Center, providing student-athletes with top-notch facilities in the nation’s fourth-largest city, offering unparalleled access to internships and professional opportunities.
6. Texas Christian University (TCU Horned Frogs)
Texas Christian University is a private institution in Fort Worth and a member of the Big 12 Conference, known for its highly competitive football program and recent CFP National Championship appearance. TCU has a strong tradition in baseball and track and field, with facilities including Amon G. Carter Stadium and Lupton Stadium. The university’s smaller size and private-school atmosphere provide a unique, personalized experience for student-athletes in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, one of the largest sports markets in the country.
7. Southern Methodist University (SMU Mustangs)
Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas that competes in the ACC, reflecting the school’s recent move to a Power Conference and its commitment to elite-level athletics. SMU has a strong football tradition with multiple national championships and a historic rivalry with TCU known as the Battle for the Iron Skillet. The university has invested significantly in athletic facilities, including Gerald J. Ford Stadium and the Moody Coliseum, providing a top-tier experience for student-athletes in Dallas’s upscale University Park neighborhood.
8. University of North Texas (Mean Green)
Located in Denton, the University of North Texas is a public university that competes in the American Athletic Conference, offering FBS football and a strong basketball program. UNT has experienced significant growth in both enrollment and athletic success, with modern facilities including Apogee Stadium and the Super Pit. As one of the largest universities in Texas, UNT provides student-athletes with a vibrant campus community and access to the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area’s professional opportunities.
9. Texas State University (Bobcats)
Texas State University in San Marcos competes in the Sun Belt Conference and offers FBS football with a growing athletic program and strong academic reputation. The Bobcats have developed competitive teams in baseball, soccer, and track and field, and the university’s location between Austin and San Antonio provides access to two major Texas cities. Texas State’s modern facilities and passionate fan base make it an attractive option for student-athletes seeking a mid-major D1 experience with plenty of Texas charm.
10. University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA Roadrunners)
UTSA is a public research university that competes in the American Athletic Conference and has quickly built a strong reputation in FBS football with passionate fan support. The Roadrunners’ football program has experienced rapid success, playing in the Alamodome and drawing impressive crowds. Located in one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, UTSA offers student-athletes access to San Antonio’s vibrant cultural scene and the competitive environment of an emerging athletic program.
11. Rice University (Owls)
Rice University is a prestigious private research university in Houston that competes in the American Athletic Conference with one of the nation’s top baseball programs, producing numerous MLB players. The Owls have a storied athletic history, including a College World Series championship and a strong tradition in tennis and swimming. Rice’s small class sizes and elite academic reputation make it a top choice for student-athletes who prioritize both athletic and educational excellence in a major metropolitan setting.
12. University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP Miners)
Located in El Paso, UTEP competes in Conference USA and has a rich basketball tradition with a historic NCAA Tournament championship and passionate fan base in the Sun Bowl. The Miners’ basketball program has produced NBA talent, and the football team plays in the iconic Sun Bowl Stadium. UTEP offers student-athletes a unique borderland experience and a competitive D1 environment with strong community support in West Texas.
13. Sam Houston State University (Bearkats)
Sam Houston State University in Huntsville recently transitioned to the FBS level and competes in Conference USA, building a strong football program with playoff appearances at the FCS level. The Bearkats have a strong tradition in baseball and track and field, with facilities including Bowers Stadium and Don Sanders Stadium. Sam Houston offers student-athletes a competitive D1 experience in a traditional college-town setting with access to the Houston metropolitan area.
14. Abilene Christian University (ACU Wildcats)
Abilene Christian University is a private Christian university in Abilene that competes in the Western Athletic Conference at the FCS level, offering a faith-based educational environment for student-athletes. The Wildcats have competitive programs in football, basketball, and track and field, with facilities including Anthony Field and the Mabee Athletic Center. ACU provides a personalized, smaller-school experience for student-athletes seeking a D1 program with strong community values.
15. Lamar University (Cardinals)
Lamar University is a public university in Beaumont that competes in the Southland Conference at the FCS level, with a strong baseball program and a growing football tradition. The Cardinals have a rich athletic history and play in Provost Umphrey Stadium and Vincent-Beck Stadium. Located in Southeast Texas, Lamar offers student-athletes a competitive D1 experience with a focus on regional pride and community support.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location | Conference | Football Level | Key Athletic Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas – Austin | Austin | SEC | FBS | Flagship program, multiple national titles, NBA talent |
| 2 | Texas A&M University | College Station | SEC | FBS | 12th Man tradition, Kyle Field, SEC powerhouse |
| 3 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock | Big 12 | FBS | Just Recently National Championship game appearance |
| 4 | Baylor University | Waco | Big 12 | FBS | Just Recently Men’s Basketball National Champions |
| 5 | University of Houston | Houston | Big 12 | FBS | Final Four history, Big 12 member |
| 6 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | Big 12 | FBS | CFP National Championship appearance |
| 7 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas | ACC | FBS | Power Conference member, historic football tradition |
| 8 | University of North Texas | Denton | American | FBS | Growing FBS program, Dallas–Fort Worth access |
| 9 | Texas State University | San Marcos | Sun Belt | FBS | Rising program, Central Texas location |
| 10 | UTSA | San Antonio | American | FBS | Rapid FBS growth, Alamodome home games |
| 11 | Rice University | Houston | American | Non‑FBS | College World Series champion, elite academics |
| 12 | UTEP | El Paso | Conference USA | Non‑FBS | Historic basketball tradition, Sun Bowl |
| 13 | Sam Houston State University | Huntsville | Conference USA | FCS | Recent FBS transition, playoff history |
| 14 | Abilene Christian University | Abilene | WAC | FCS | Faith‑based private university |
| 15 | Lamar University | Beaumont | Southland | FCS | Strong baseball program, Southeast Texas |
Success Tips for Choosing a D1 School
Start by identifying your athletic and academic priorities, as Texas offers schools ranging from Power Conference powerhouses with national championships to competitive mid-major programs with strong regional followings.
Consider the level of competition you want; FBS schools like Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and Baylor offer the highest level of football, while FCS schools like Abilene Christian, Lamar, and Sam Houston provide competitive opportunities with potentially more playing time.
Evaluate the conference alignment and geographic location, as schools in the Big 12, SEC, ACC, and American Athletic Conference offer different levels of exposure and travel demands.
Research each school’s academic reputation and campus culture; private universities like Rice, TCU, and Baylor offer smaller class sizes, while large public universities like UT Austin and Texas A&M provide extensive resources and alumni networks.
Finally, consider the facilities, coaching staff, and recent program success, as schools with strong investment in athletics often provide better experiences for student-athletes.
Closing
Texas offers one of the most impressive collections of Division I athletic programs in the nation, featuring Power Conference powerhouses in the SEC and Big 12 alongside competitive mid-major programs across the American Athletic Conference, Sun Belt, Conference USA, and Southland. From the flagship programs of UT Austin and Texas A&M to the rising programs of UTSA and Sam Houston State, the state provides exceptional opportunities for student-athletes at every level of competition.
Whether you are seeking the national spotlight of the SEC or Big 12, the strong academic reputation of schools like Rice and TCU, or the community feel of smaller programs, Texas D1 schools deliver on quality, tradition, and opportunity. 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.