Comprehensive Guide to NCAA Football Conferences

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) oversees American collegiate sports, including the highly competitive division of football. This guide will provide an in-depth look at the number and structure of conferences in NCAA football, along with information on various division levels.

Overview of FBS Conferences

In the highest level of college football known as FBS (formerly known as Division I-A), there are ten total conferences. These can be categorized into two groups: the 'Power Five' and the 'Group of Five' (G5).

Power Five Conferences

These five conferences are referred to as the 'elite' or the 'Power Five' due to their traditional superiority. They include some of the most prestigious and powerful institutions in college football.

Group of Five Conferences

The remaining five conferences, collectively known as the 'Group of Five,' include less prestigious schools that are considered a step below the Power Five programs. These schools are still notable for their competitive football programs but often do not receive the same level of media attention as the larger conferences.

Lower Division Conferences

Below the FBS level, there are various divisions and the number of conferences increases significantly. Here's a breakdown of the number of conferences in each division:

Division I-AA or FCS (Football Championship Subdivision): 14 conferences
Formerly known as Division I-AA, these 14 conferences feature smaller schools that aim for a high level of competition and support their football programs heavily.

Division II: 15 conferences
Division II includes a broader range of schools with varying levels of football prowess, ranging from prominent Power Five schools to smaller institutions.

Division III: 25 conferences
Division III is home to the most diverse group of schools, ranging from small, liberal arts colleges to larger institutions with strong football traditions.

Other NCAA and Non-NCAA Conferences

Further down in the hierarchy, there are specialized organizations that manage their own set of conferences. These include:

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA): 9 football-playing conferences
The NAIA is an organization for smaller colleges and universities that operate independently from the NCAA. There are nine conferences that sponsor football at this level.

National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA): 17 conferences in total
At the community college level, there are 7 NJCAA football conferences and 10 CCAA conferences in California, all aiming to provide competitive football opportunities for students.

U Sports: 4 regional organizations sponsoring football
U Sports in Canada is divided into four regional organizations, effectively the same as conferences, that all sponsor football for their university members.

Conclusion

The structure of NCAA football conferences is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the diversity of institutions and the varying standards of football programs across the country. Whether you're at the highest FBS level or in the more diverse settings of the lower divisions, there is a rich tapestry of conferences and teams to follow.