Bucknell University Athletics

Bucknell competes in NCAA Division I, meaning serious athletic competition with scholarship opportunities and regional television coverage. The Bison field 23 varsity teams in the Patriot League, a conference known for combining academic excellence with competitive athletics. With 743 student-athletes on a campus of 3,818 students, nearly 20% of the student body participates in varsity sports. The university awards $16.65 million in athletic scholarships annually. Bucknell has developed particularly strong programs in basketball and football, with the men's basketball team making multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Traditional rivalries with Lafayette and Colgate generate intense campus excitement during football season. The Patriot League's academic standards mean Bucknell athletes typically maintain high GPAs while competing at a high level, reflecting the university's commitment to scholar-athletes.