Playing at the Division 1 (D1) level is a major focus for many young athletes. But, of all the colleges to choose from, what makes Division 1 colleges in Texas stand out?
Many universities in Texas are home to prestigious athletic programs. Just think of name-brand schools like the University of Texas – Austin, Texas A&M, and Texas Christian University (TCU). These universities compete at a high level in a variety of D1 sports, including football, baseball, and basketball.
Balancing student-athlete life is different in each school and program across the country. If you’re not sure where to begin, below is a complete list of D1 colleges in Texas that sponsor athletics programs by sport.
List of Division 1 colleges in Texas by Sport
D1 baseball colleges in Texas
- Abilene Christian University
- Baylor University
- Dallas Baptist University*
- Houston Christian University
- Lamar University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Rice University
- Sam Houston State University
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Tarleton State University
- Texas A&M University – Commerce
- Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Southern University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas – Arlington
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
- University of Texas – San Antonio
- University of the Incarnate Word
*Competes in D1 as affiliate member of Conference USA
View all Division 1 baseball colleges.
Men’s D1 basketball colleges in Texas
- Abilene Christian University
- Baylor University
- Houston Christian University
- Lamar University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Rice University
- Sam Houston State University
- Southern Methodist University – SMU
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Tarleton State University
- Texas A&M University – Commerce
- Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Southern University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas – Arlington
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Texas – El Paso
- University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
- University of Texas – San Antonio
- University of the Incarnate Word
View all men’s Division 1 basketball colleges.
Women’s D1 basketball colleges in Texas
- Abilene Christian University
- Baylor University
- Houston Christian University
- Lamar University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Rice University
- Sam Houston State University
- Southern Methodist University – SMU
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Tarleton State University
- Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Southern University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas – Arlington
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Texas – El Paso
- University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
- University of Texas – San Antonio
- University of the Incarnate Word
View all women’s Division 1 basketball colleges.
D1 football colleges in Texas
D1 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) colleges in Texas
- Baylor University
- Rice University
- Southern Methodist University – SMU
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Texas – El Paso
- University of Texas – San Antonio
D1 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) colleges in Texas
- Abilene Christian University
- Houston Christian University
- Lamar University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Sam Houston State University
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Tarleton State University
- Texas Southern University
- University of the Incarnate Word
View all Division 1 football colleges.
Men’s D1 golf colleges in Texas
- Abilene Christian University
- Baylor University
- Houston Christian University
- Lamar University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Rice University
- Sam Houston State University
- Southern Methodist University – SMU
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Tarleton State University
- Texas A&M University – Commerce
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Southern University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas – Arlington
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Texas – El Paso
- University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
- University of Texas – San Antonio
- University of the Incarnate Word
View all men’s Division 1 golf colleges.
Women’s D1 golf colleges in Texas
- Baylor University
- Houston Christian University
- Lamar University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Sam Houston State University
- Southern Methodist University – SMU
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Tarleton State University
- Texas A&M University – Commerce
- Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Southern University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas – Arlington
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Texas – El Paso
- University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
- University of Texas – San Antonio
- University of the Incarnate Word
View all women’s Division 1 golf colleges.
Women’s D1 rowing colleges in Texas
- Southern Methodist University – SMU
- University of Texas – Austin
View all women’s rowing colleges.
Men’s D1 soccer colleges in Texas
- Houston Christian University
- Southern Methodist University – SMU
- University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
- University of the Incarnate Word
View all men’s Division 1 soccer colleges.
Women’s D1 soccer colleges in Texas
- Abilene Christian University
- Baylor University
- Houston Christian University
- Lamar University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Rice University
- Sam Houston State University
- Southern Methodist University – SMU
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Tarleton State University
- Texas A&M University – Commerce
- Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Southern University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Texas – El Paso
- University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
- University of Texas – San Antonio
- University of the Incarnate Word
View all women’s Division 1 soccer colleges.
D1 softball colleges in Texas
- Abilene Christian University
- Baylor University
- Houston Christian University
- Lamar University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Sam Houston State University
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Tarleton State University
- Texas A&M University – Commerce
- Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Southern University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas – Arlington
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Texas – El Paso
- University of Texas – San Antonio
- University of the Incarnate Word
View all Division 1 softball colleges.
Men’s D1 swimming and diving colleges in Texas
- Southern Methodist University – SMU
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of the Incarnate Word
View all men’s Division 1 swimming colleges.
Women’s D1 swimming and diving colleges in Texas
- Rice University
- Southern Methodist University – SMU
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- University of Houston
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of the Incarnate Word
View all women’s Division 1 swimming colleges.
Men’s D1 tennis colleges in Texas
- Abilene Christian University
- Baylor University
- Lamar University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Rice University
- Southern Methodist University – SMU
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Texas – Arlington
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
- University of Texas – San Antonio
- University of the Incarnate Word
View all men’s Division 1 tennis colleges.
Women’s D1 tennis colleges in Texas
- Abilene Christian University
- Baylor University
- Lamar University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Rice University
- Sam Houston State University
- Southern Methodist University – SMU
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Tarleton State University
- Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas – Arlington
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Texas – El Paso
- University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
- University of Texas – San Antonio
- University of the Incarnate Word
View all women’s Division 1 tennis colleges.
Men’s D1 track and field colleges in Texas
- Abilene Christian University
- Baylor University
- Houston Christian University
- Lamar University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Rice University
- Sam Houston State University
- Southern Methodist University – SMU
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Tarleton State University
- Texas A&M University – Commerce
- Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Southern University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas – Arlington
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Texas – El Paso
- University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
- University of Texas – San Antonio
- University of the Incarnate Word
View all men’s Division 1 track and field colleges.
Women’s D1 track and field colleges in Texas
- Abilene Christian University
- Baylor University
- Houston Christian University
- Lamar University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Rice University
- Sam Houston State University
- Southern Methodist University – SMU
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Tarleton State University
- Texas A&M University – Commerce
- Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Southern University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas – Arlington
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Texas – El Paso
- University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
- University of Texas – San Antonio
- University of the Incarnate Word
View all women’s Division 1 track and field colleges.
Women’s D1 wrestling colleges in Texas
- Texas A&M University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas – Arlington
- University of Texas – San Antonio
View all women’s wrestling colleges.
Women’s D1 volleyball colleges in Texas
- Abilene Christian University
- Baylor University
- Houston Christian University
- Lamar University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Rice University
- Sam Houston State University
- Southern Methodist University – SMU
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Tarleton State University
- Texas A&M University – Commerce
- Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Southern University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- University of North Texas
- University of Texas – Arlington
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Texas – El Paso
- University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
- University of Texas – San Antonio
- University of the Incarnate Word
View all women’s Division 1 volleyball colleges.
Women’s D1 beach volleyball colleges in Texas
- Abilene Christian University
- Houston Christian University
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
- Texas Christian UniversityUniversity of Texas – El Paso
View all women’s beach volleyball colleges.
Why choose a D1 college in Texas
There are many factors to consider when choosing a college, and the level of competition is just one of them. Here are a few potential benefits of choosing a D1 college in Texas:
- Strong athletics programs: D1 colleges are known for their strong athletics programs, and many Texas schools have a long tradition of success in various sports. They often output top talent into professional leagues. For example, professional athletes like NFL star Patrick Mahomes (Texas Tech University) and NBA star Kevin Durant (University of Texas – Austin) went to D1 colleges in Texas.
- Access to top-level facilities and coaching: Texas D1 schools typically have state-of-the-art facilities and experienced coaches who can help athletes develop and reach their full potential. Texas A&M and UT Austin, for example, have some of the most luxurious football facilities in the nation.
- High level of competition: D1 colleges in Texas offer the highest level of competition in collegiate sports, which can be a great opportunity for athletes to test themselves against the best. Many of these schools play in some of the nation’s largest and most competitive conferences, including the Big 12 and Southeastern Conference (SEC).
- Scholarship opportunities: Many D1 colleges offer athletic scholarships to top student-athletes, which can help offset the cost of tuition and other expenses. Texas schools, in particular, have a network called Apply Texas to help prospective students streamline their applications and scholarship inquiries.
- Access to academic resources: The top Texas D1 schools not only have some incredible sports programs, but their academic programs are also great for student-athletes. D1 colleges often offer a range of academic resources to student-athletes, including tutoring, study groups, and more.
It’s important to consider all the factors that are important to you when choosing a college, including location, size, academic programs, and cost.
D1 college sports recruiting in Texas
So, you’re ready to start your college search, and Texas D1 schools are at the top of your list. Ask yourself what you want out of your college experience as a student-athlete. Your best bet is to go through the pros and cons of each Texas college you’re interested in. Once you get closer to a decision, NCSA can help you earn college recruitment opportunities.
Read our guide about how to get recruited for college sports for insider tips. And, for a rundown of key recruiting milestones, check out our pointers on managing the recruitment process.
FAQs
How many D1 schools are in Texas?
There are 25 NCAA Division 1 colleges across the state of Texas.
What is the most popular D1 sport in Texas?
Football is the most popular D1 sport in Texas.
Some of the best college football teams in the country play NCAA Division 1 football in Texas, including TCU, UT Austin, Baylor, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech. The most recent to win a national championship was UT Austin in 2005, although TCU came close during the 2022 season, losing to Georgia in the title game.