 | |
| Association | NCAA |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1978 |
| Sports fielded |
|
| Division | Division I |
| Subdivision | FCS |
| No. of teams | 2 |
| Official website | ncaa.com/independents |
NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision independent schools are four-year institutions in the United States whose football programs are not part of a football conference. This means that FCS independents are not required to schedule each other for competition as conference schools do. As of the 2024 season, Merrimack and Sacred Heart will be competing as independents, as their primary conference, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, does not sponsor football. They were previously members of the Northeast Conference which does sponsor the sport. Merrimack and Sacred Heart are confirmed to play as FCS independents in 2024.[1] [2]
- ^ "Five Home Games Highlight 2024 SHU Football Schedule" (Press release). Sacred Heart Pioneers. February 5, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
The Pioneers, in their first season as an FCS Independent, begin 2024 with three straight home games, including the opener against Delaware State on Aug. 31.
- ^ "Football Releases 2024 Schedule". Merrimack College Athletics. 2024-02-08. Retrieved 2024-03-09.