HBCU Powerhouse Eyes Division I Jump

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 3:25 PM ET

On any given Saturday at Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium, the roar of the crowd, the beat of the marching band, and the echo of history pulse through the Alabama air. But behind the scenes, a question looms louder than any drumline: Is Tuskegee University ready to make the leap to NCAA Division I?

It’s not just speculation. It’s a conversation rooted in data, infrastructure, and a growing resume of athletic excellence. In the 2024–25 academic year alone, Tuskegee competed for seven conference titles, winning three and finishing runner-up in four. That kind of consistency isn’t just impressive. It’s the blueprint for elevation.

“That’s a lot of championships,” said Tuskegee Athletic Director Reginald Ruffin, who has become the face of both tradition and transformation within the program.

Tuskegee isn’t just winning. It’s evolving. Under Ruffin’s leadership, and with the support of President Dr. Mark Brown the university has made full athletic funding a priority, ensuring that sports are not only maintained but nurtured. Facility upgrades are underway, alumni support is strengthening, and the campus is undergoing revitalization that mirrors the ambition taking root in its athletic department.

There are currently 23 Division I HBCUs across the nation. A move up for Tuskegee would mean joining a select group competing at the highest level. Joining programs in the SWAC, MEAC, and even independent Division I conferences. But it’s not just about competition; it’s about culture, community visibility, and access to greater financial and recruiting resources.

Still, the decision is not solely Ruffin’s to make.

“It’s going to be President Mark Brown… what he wants to see in the next three-year plan, his five-year plan…. what he sees in athletics,” Ruffin told HBCU Gameday.

The NCAA mandates strict requirements for Division I membership, including minimum sports sponsorships, scholarship numbers, and financial commitments. Tuskegee’s steady climb suggests that while it isn’t quite there yet, it’s not far behind.

Perhaps more importantly, Ruffin and the administration are committed to ensuring that no sport is left behind.

“You gotta be supporting your sports,” Ruffin emphasized. “We’re grounded where we’re planted, and we’re going to do what we can to continue building the legacy of Tuskegee University.”

With the spotlight on HBCU athletics growing brighter, fueled by figures like Deion Sanders and media platforms amplifying Black college sports, Tuskegee’s timing couldn’t be more strategic. If the university plays its cards right, it could not only elevate its athletic brand but position itself as a flagship HBCU in the next generation of Division I athletics.

So, will Tuskegee make the move?

They’re not rushing. But they are preparing. And if recent success is any indication, it’s no longer a question of “if”, but “when.”

Tuskegee University football team celebrating championship win; HBCU athletics Division I transition; Tuskegee sports facilities upgrade; HBCU college football crowd at Abbott Memorial Stadium

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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