Sul Ross State Release
UT Dallas Release
NCAA Release
 
 
NCAA Division II will increase its presence in the southwest on September 1, 2026, when Lone Star Conference members Sul Ross State University and the University of Texas at Dallas officially move to active Division II membership status.
 
Both institutions were approved for active status by the Division II Membership Committee July 9 following successful completion of transitions from Division III affiliation. The institutions will be fully eligible for Division II Championships, grant funding and programming starting with the 2026-27 year.
 
Sul Ross State, who officially began LSC membership on July 1, 2024, started the shift from NCAA Division III to Division II in September 2023. All 12 Lobos’ teams have competed under the LSC banner since 2024-25 seasons.
 
UT Dallas began official LSC membership on July 1, 2025, and the 17 UTD programs starting LSC play in 2025-26. UT Dallas began its transition from NCAA Division III to Division II in September 2024.
 
Active Division II membership grants also Sul Ross State and UT Dallas team and individual eligibility for all LSC tournaments in addition to conference awards, season championships, and conference governance involvement.
 
With Sul Ross State and UT Dallas, the LSC will have 18 full-time Division II members for the 2026-27 seasons.