Carson-Newman University Athletics

Carson-Newman competes in NCAA Division II, which sits between the high-profile Division I programs and the purely recreational Division III level. The Eagles field 21 varsity sports with 541 total athletes, meaning nearly 40% of the 1,374-student body participates in varsity athletics. The school competes in the South Atlantic Conference against regional rivals. Carson-Newman awards $5.6 million in athletic scholarships annually, making sports a significant part of the student experience. The Eagles have built a reputation for competitive programs across multiple sports, particularly in football and basketball. Division II allows Carson-Newman to offer athletic scholarships while maintaining the close-knit community feel that defines smaller colleges. The high percentage of student-athletes creates a campus culture where sports are central to student life and school spirit.