There are 13 D1 colleges in Florida, but not all of them offer the same sports.
Florida is home to some of the most competitive NCAA Division I colleges, offering top-tier academics, elite athletic programs, and vibrant campus communities. From the north in Tallahassee to the south in Miami, Florida has 13 division one colleges that offer every sport imaginable (except most outdoor winter sports of course!) Whether it’s football or basketball for men or softball and even rowing for women, whatever sport you are interested in, these schools listed below have it.
1. University of Florida (UF) – Gainesville
If not the most notable D1 college in Florida, the Gators have always been in the spotlight for athletics. Competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the school has been consistently ranked among the other top athletic programs in the country and has nine men’s teams and 12 women’s teams. Football and baseball have usually been the strong suits on the men’s side, but in recent memory basketball has played a large role, as they have consistently made the NCCA Tournament from 2017 to 2019. When not playing sports, athletes of the school have access to the “Fuel Bar,” which is a nutrition facility that any athlete can access. So, no matter what sport you play at UF, you won’t have to worry about maintaining great physical shape.
Academics & Programs
- Ranked among the top public universities in the U.S.
- Over 100 undergraduate majors and strong graduate programs in business, engineering, and medicine.
- Home to one of the best research institutions in the country.
Athletics
- Competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
- Florida Gators have won national championships in football, basketball, gymnastics, and more.
- Facilities like Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (“The Swamp”) make game days an unforgettable experience.
Campus Life
- Offers more than 1,000 student organizations.
- Strong Greek life and a thriving college town atmosphere in Gainesville.
2. Florida State University (FSU) – Tallahassee
Sharing the spotlight with the University of Florida as having the most popular athletic programs in the state, the Seminoles continue to be talked about every year regarding both athletics and academics. Also in Tallahassee like FAMU, they are a part of the Atlantic Coast Conference and have 20 athletic teams. Football has always been the school’s pride and joy ever since the great head coach, Bobby Bowden, and sending players to the NFL every year. However, just like UF, basketball has taken a part of the spotlight, as they reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament this past season. Also, the Seminoles were ranked in the top five of the Universal Cheerleaders Association finals this year. So even though men’s sports are more talked about here, cheerleading and women’s basketball shine bright here too.
Academics & Programs
- Recognized for its top-ranked film school, criminology, and business programs.
- Home to a prestigious law school and medical school.
- Focuses on research and innovation with a strong alumni network.
Athletics
- A powerhouse in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
- FSU Seminoles have won multiple national championships, particularly in football and baseball.
- The Doak Campbell Stadium and the “War Chant” create an intense game-day experience.
Campus Life
- A mix of southern charm and modern college town amenities.
- Rich traditions, including the Marching Chiefs and Osceola and Renegade at football games.
3. University of Miami (UM) – Coral Gables
Just south of Miami in Coral Gables, lies the Hurricanes, who are part of the Atlantic Coast Conference with FSU. While always having a profound history in football, as they send many players straight to the NFL, basketball and baseball are larger on the men’s side where each team usually reaches the post season consecutively. For women, however, the sport that hasn’t been discussed here yet that stands out is golf, which has won five national championships since 1970. So, despite men having the upper edge here in making a career out of their sport, a woman’s golf game could do it too.
Academics & Programs
- A top private university with strong programs in marine science, business, law, and medicine.
- Small class sizes and strong faculty-student engagement.
- Research-focused with state-of-the-art medical facilities.
Athletics
- Competes in the ACC.
- The Miami Hurricanes are a legendary football team with multiple national championships.
- Strong programs in baseball, basketball, golf and swimming.
Campus Life
- Located in beautiful Coral Gables, minutes from Miami’s beaches.
- Strong Greek life and student engagement in cultural and leadership organizations.
4. University of Central Florida (UCF) – Orlando
The last college on this last, but one of the largest universities in the country, are the Knights. They are located in Orlando and like their rival, USF, are also in the American Athletic Conference. For decades football has been at the forefront for the school with many players making it to the NFL and invitations to bowl games mostly every season. Also, just like FSU, cheerleading and dance have been notable for winning national championships in 2003 and 2007, and rowing has been popular too. Besides the sports, the athletic facilities are regarded very highly, making UCF not only prolific in the state, but the entire country.
Academics & Programs
- One of the largest universities in the U.S.
- Strong programs in engineering, hospitality, and computer science.
- Close ties to NASA, Lockheed Martin, and the tech industry.
Athletics
- Competes in the Big 12 Conference.
- UCF Knights football gained national attention with an undefeated season in 2017.
- New, modern athletic facilities and a growing sports culture.
Campus Life
- A young, dynamic student body in a high-tech, modern campus.
- Close to Orlando’s theme parks and entertainment industries.
5. University of South Florida (USF) – Tampa
Since being founded in 1956, the Bulls, who reside in Tampa, are a part of the American Athletic Conference and have a defined history in football, as they’ve had many players drafted into the NFL. However, for men’s sports, golf has been their highest rated, as they’ve won 16 combined conference championships with four consecutively since 2015. On the women’s side, sailing is offered, which is nationally recognized and coached by gold medalist Allison Jolly, who participated in the first Olympic women’s sailing event at the 1988 Summer Olympics. With that said, USF offers sports that aren’t as popular across the state as they should be.
Academics & Programs
- Renowned for health sciences, engineering, and business.
- A top research institution with strong medical school ties.
- Urban campus offering a mix of academic and internship opportunities.
Athletics
- Competes in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
- USF Bulls football and basketball teams have been rising in national prominence.
- State-of-the-art Yuengling Center for basketball and indoor sports.
Campus Life
- Located in Tampa Bay, offering a mix of city life and waterfront activities.
- A diverse student body with strong commuter and on-campus experiences.
6. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) – Boca Raton
Located 1.8 miles from the beach in Boca Raton, the Owls, who are also apart of CUSA have more women’s sports than men’s with 10 versus seven. However, football has been the most popular in recent memory ever since the hire of head football coach Lane Kiffin, who was a former offensive coordinator of college football powerhouse, the University of Alabama. While football has been more newsworthy recently, baseball and softball have dominated since the university’s beginnings, as close to 70 baseball players were able to sign professionally and softball has won nine of the last ten conference titles. Just like Bethune Cookman, FAU is also a top college to play baseball and softball at.
Academics & Programs
- Growing reputation for business, ocean engineering, and neuroscience.
- Strong ties to South Florida’s tech and finance industries.
- A rising research institution with growing graduate programs.
Athletics
- Competes in the AAC.
- FAU Owls football team has seen recent success, winning multiple bowl games.
- Strong basketball program, reaching the Final Four in 2023.
Campus Life
- Beautiful campus minutes from beaches and nightlife.
- A mix of traditional college experiences and urban opportunities.
7. Florida International University (FIU) – Miami
In the heart of Miami lies the Panthers, who offer 18 D1 sports from football to even swimming and diving. Despite only being a part of Conference USA (CUSA) since 2013, the school has been D1 since 1991 and has produced many athletes that went on to have professional careers. Two of the biggest professional athletes the school produced are current Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hitlon and Olympic gold medalist Tayna Lawrence. Overall, for men, whether you may not be the biggest name on the football field, or for women, if you have a passion for track and field, Florida International may be calling your name.
Academics & Programs
- A leading research university with strong programs in hospitality, law, business, and medicine.
- One of the most diverse student populations in the U.S.
- Extensive international study and research opportunities.
Athletics
- Competes in Conference USA.
- The FIU Panthers are growing in football, soccer, and baseball.
- Strong ties to Miami’s pro sports teams.
Campus Life
- Urban setting with a global student body.
- Strong business and professional networking opportunities.
8. Bethune-Cookman University – Daytona Beach
Located in Daytona Beach, the Wildcats are a part of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and have a total of seven men teams and eight women teams. While the school is not the most known across the state for athletics, they have won 31 MEAC titles in history with 14 coming from baseball. Although Bethune-Cookman offers every sport imaginable, baseball is definitely their strongest suit, as five former players went on to play in the majors since the school’s establishment. On the women’s side, Bethune-Cookman has won six MEAC titles in softball, so whether your a boy or girl, this university may be the place for you to continue swinging that bat.
Academics & Programs
- A historically black college with strong programs in education and performing arts.
Athletics
- Competes in the SWAC, known for football and baseball.
Campus Life
- A tight-knit, tradition-rich campus with a deep cultural heritage.
9. Florida A&M University (FAMU) – Tallahassee
Sharing the capital city of Tallahassee with Florida State University, the Rattlers are also a member of the MEAC and have seven men’s and women’s sports each. Even though FAMU is also not that known for athletics they have excelled in football in the past, as they have won 29 conference championships in history. For women, they might not have the best programs, as the last time they were in the news was for women’s basketball when they reached the NCAA Tournament in 1999. Despite the school’s rich history in being a predominately African-American university, there is not a lot going on athletics wise.
Academics & Programs
- A top HBCU, known for business, pharmacy, and engineering programs.
Athletics
- Competes in the SWAC, boasting a historic football program.
Campus Life
- Home to the Marching 100, one of the nation’s best college marching bands.
10. Stetson University – Deland
Another Atlantic Sun Conference school, the Hatters are located in DeLand and have seven men’s teams and ten women’s teams. Baseball has been the most popular sport here for men, as they’ve had some notable alumni make it to the majors, including current New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom and Cleveland Indians pitcher Corey Kluber. For women, golf is one of the most popular, however, what sets Stetson apart is that they also offer beach volleyball and rowing, so if you’re more into sports that are considered for the Olympics, Stetson has it.
Academics & Programs
- Known for its law school, business, and music programs.
Athletics
- Competes in the ASUN, excelling in baseball and golf.
Campus Life
- A picturesque, small-college setting with a focus on leadership and academics.
11. Jacksonville University (JU) – Jacksonville
Obviously located in Jacksonville, the Dolphins are one of the fewest known for athletics in the state. However, a part of the Atlantic Sun Conference just like FGCU, a sport most of the the other universities label as clubs, lacrosse, is actually the most popular here at JU. They are the only men’s D1 lacrosse team in Florida, which goes for women too. With that said, if lacrosse is your passion, Jacksonville University may be the right place to showcase your skills.
Academics & Programs
- Offers strong programs in aviation, marine science, and business.
Athletics
- Competes in the ASUN, with strong lacrosse and rowing programs.
Campus Life
- A close-knit, waterfront campus with strong military and veteran student support.
12. University of North Florida (UNF) – Jacksonville
As the other university in the state without a football team, the Ospreys are also located in Jacksonville and in the Atlantic Sun Conference. There is a larger emphasis put on both men’s and women’s basketball, in which the men’s team advanced to their first NCAA Tournament in 2015 and ever since basketball has been dominant here. Another emphasis is also on the athletic facilities, as they have a student wellness and sports education center that costed an estimated $30 million. Although sports aren’t bigger than academics here, the athletes are still treated very highly.
Academics & Programs
- Focuses on health sciences, business, and coastal biology.
Athletics
- Competes in the ASUN, growing in basketball and soccer.
Campus Life
- Offers a scenic, eco-friendly campus with a strong commitment to sustainability.
13. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) – Fort Myers
The Eagles are one of the two schools that don’t have a football team at their school, but that doesn’t seem to slow them down from having premier athletics. Residing in Fort Myers and a part of the Atlantic Sun Conference, FGCU has a total of 15 sports teams and became D1 in 2007. For both men and women, basketball is the most popular, as they account in over $600,000 in ticket revenue. Since the men’s team became the first number 15 seed to advance to the Sweet 16 in 2013 of the NCAA Tournament and the women’s team reaching their first tournament birth in 2010, basketball has remained at the top for FGCU athletics.
Academics & Programs
- Recognized for environmental sciences, business, and education.
Athletics
- Gained national attention with its basketball team’s Cinderella run in the 2013 NCAA tournament.
Campus Life
- Located near the Gulf Coast, with a focus on outdoor recreation and sustainability.
Original article by: Justin Baronoff
Updated by our staff: March 2025
