Northern Kentucky University Athletics

The Norse compete in NCAA Division I, meaning they offer athletic scholarships and face major competition, though NKU's 250 athletes represent just 3.1% of the 8,065 students. The athletic department distributes $3.35 million in scholarships across 13 varsity sports. NKU plays in the Horizon League, a mid-major conference that includes regional rivals like Wright State and Oakland. The university made the jump from Division II to Division I in 2012, making it one of the newer programs at this level. Basketball generates the most excitement on campus, with the men's team making an upset run to the NCAA Tournament in 2017 and 2019. The Norse brand themselves as scrappy underdogs who can compete with established programs despite their recent transition to major college athletics.