Abilene Christian University Athletics

Abilene Christian competes in NCAA Division I, meaning big-time college athletics with full scholarships and serious competition. The Wildcats awarded over $10.4 million in athletic scholarships across 13 varsity sports last year. About 11% of students are varsity athletes, with 344 competing on teams. The university plays in the Western Athletic Conference alongside schools like New Mexico State and Utah Valley. ACU made headlines in 2021 by becoming the first 14-seed to beat a 3-seed in March Madness, stunning Texas in the first round. The basketball program has built momentum since moving up from Division II in 2013. Football returned to campus in 2017 after a 75-year absence, playing at Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium.