Saint Francis to transition from Division I to III beginning in 2026

Saint Francis is reclassifying its 22 athletic programs from NCAA Division I to Division III, the university announced Tuesday.

The news comes on the heels of an NCAA Tournament appearance by Saint Francis’ men’s basketball team, the university’s first since 1991, as the Red Flash won an automatic bid by upsetting top-seeded Central Connecticut to capture an NEC Tournament title. They went on to lose 70-68 on a last-second shot by Alabama State on March 18 in the First Four.

Competition within the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC), which includes Saint Vincent, Chatham, Carnegie Mellon, Grove City, Westminster, Thiel and Waynesburg, is to begin in 2026-27, with Saint Francis set to become the league’s 13th full-time member.

“This was not an easy nor a quick decision for the board of trustees,” chairman and the Very Rev. Joseph Lehman said in a statement. “The governance associated with intercollegiate athletics has always been complicated and is only growing in complexity based on realities like the transfer portal, pay-for-play, and other shifts that move athletics away from love of the game. For that reason, as a Board, we aim to best provide resources and support to our student-athletes in this changing environment that aligns with our mission, Catholic institution and our community’s expectations.”

Added Saint Francis president Father Malachi Van Tassel: “The PAC comprises peer institutions that share our faith-based foundations and educational philosophy. Its geographic proximity — consisting of member schools located within a three-hour radius of Loretto — will enable us to cultivate stronger regional rivalries, enhance community engagement and significantly reduce the travel demands placed on our students.

“This transition marks a pivotal step forward — one embraced with optimism and a clear vision for the continued growth and excellence of Saint Francis University. This new chapter affirms our dedication to providing a transformational collegiate experience — on the field, in the classroom, and throughout campus life — guided always by our Catholic, Franciscan mission and values.”

The Red Flash will continue to compete in the Northeast Conference until June 30, 2026, before transitioning to D-III.

“This is another key step towards our vision of the PAC continuing to build its foundation as one of the elite NCAA Division III conferences in the nation,” PAC commissioner Joe Onderko said. “With the addition of four new full members in the past six years (Franciscan, Allegheny, Hiram), as well as recent additional varsity sport offerings (men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s volleyball), I believe the PAC has never been stronger at any point in its 70-year history.”

Note: The Saint Francis men’s basketball team lost its fifth player in two days to the transfer portal, Wisler Sanon II, a 6-foot-4 junior guard.