Xavier University Athletics

Xavier fields 15 varsity sports as a Division I program, meaning big-time athletics with full scholarships and competitive recruiting. The Musketeers compete in the strong BIG EAST Conference alongside basketball powerhouses like Villanova and Georgetown. With 382 total athletes among 4,723 students, roughly 8% of the student body competes at the varsity level. The basketball program defines Xavier's athletic identity, regularly making NCAA Tournament appearances and drawing passionate crowds to the Cintas Center. The school awards $8.4 million in athletic scholarships across all sports. Xavier's crosstown rivalry with the University of Cincinnati creates one of college basketball's most intense matchups. The Musketeers also maintain a heated rivalry with Dayton. Basketball success has elevated Xavier's national profile far beyond what a school of its size might typically achieve.