Cornell University Athletics

Cornell fields 31 varsity teams as a Division I program, meaning big-time college athletics with packed stadiums and serious competition. About 7% of the 15,935 students compete as varsity athletes. The Big Red competes in the strong Ivy League, where Harvard serves as the primary rival across all sports. Cornell hockey dominates the conversation on campus, with the program claiming two NCAA championships and regularly selling out Lynah Rink in one of college hockey's most intimidating environments. The wrestling team has produced multiple Olympic champions. Despite being Division I, Ivy League schools offer no athletic scholarships, relying instead on need-based aid. Cornell's athletic culture runs strong, with students packing venues for hockey games and showing solid support for football against other Ivy rivals.