Fayetteville State University Athletics

Fayetteville State competes in NCAA Division II, where athletics matter but don't dominate campus life like at major universities. The Broncos field 11 varsity sports with 216 total athletes, meaning about 4% of the 5,493 students compete at the varsity level. The university awards $1.3 million in athletic scholarships across all sports. As a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, one of the most storied HBCU conferences, the Broncos face traditional rivals like Winston-Salem State and Virginia Union. The CIAA has deep roots in historically black college athletics, dating back to 1912. Division II strikes a balance between competitive athletics and academic focus, offering scholarships but maintaining smaller crowds than Division I powerhouses. The Broncos particularly emphasize basketball and football within their athletic program.