Texas State University Athletics

Texas State competes in NCAA Division I, which means big-time college athletics with scholarships and serious competition. The Bobcats field 12 varsity sports and award $8.4 million in athletic scholarships each year. With 377 total athletes out of 34,547 students, about 1% of the student body plays varsity sports. Texas State joined the Sun Belt Conference in 2013 after moving up from the Football Championship Subdivision. The football team plays at Bobcat Stadium, and games create a solid game-day atmosphere in San Marcos. Basketball and baseball also draw decent crowds. While Texas State doesn't have the massive sports culture of nearby University of Texas at Austin (a major rival), athletics still matter to students and the community. The move to Division I reflects the school's growth ambitions.