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An NCAA Division I FCS independent school is defined as a four-year institution whose football program does not belong to a football conference.
Answer: True
Explanation: The definition of an NCAA Division I FCS independent school specifies that it is a four-year institution whose football program operates without belonging to a football conference.
The NCAA Division I FCS independent schools category was established in 1978, making it 47 years old as of the information provided.
Answer: True
Explanation: The NCAA Division I FCS independent schools category was indeed founded in 1978, which, based on the provided information, would make it 47 years old.
What is the defining characteristic of an NCAA Division I FCS independent school?
Answer: Its football program does not belong to a football conference.
Explanation: The defining characteristic of an NCAA Division I FCS independent school is that its football program operates without belonging to a football conference.
In what year was the NCAA Division I FCS independent schools category founded?
Answer: 1978
Explanation: The NCAA Division I FCS independent schools category was established in 1978.
For the 2025 season, there are three teams classified as NCAA Division I FCS independent schools.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of the 2025 season, there are two teams classified as NCAA Division I FCS independent schools, not three. This number is projected to decrease to one team in 2026.
Merrimack College and Sacred Heart University are the two institutions currently competing as FCS independents as of the 2025 season.
Answer: True
Explanation: The information confirms that Merrimack College and Sacred Heart University are the two institutions currently competing as FCS independents for the 2025 season.
Merrimack and Sacred Heart are FCS independents in the 2025 season because their primary conference, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), does not sponsor football.
Answer: True
Explanation: Merrimack and Sacred Heart are FCS independents in 2025 because their primary conference, the MAAC, does not sponsor football, necessitating their independent status for the sport.
Sacred Heart University plans to join the Big South Conference after the 2025 season.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sacred Heart University plans to join CAA Football after the 2025 season, not the Big South Conference.
Merrimack College's football program began in 1996 and joined the independent ranks in 2024.
Answer: True
Explanation: Merrimack College's football program commenced in 1996 and transitioned to independent status in 2024, as detailed in its institutional profile.
Sacred Heart University was founded in 1963 and has an endowment of $246,000,000.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sacred Heart University was founded in 1963 and its institutional details confirm an endowment of $246,000,000.
How many teams are currently classified as NCAA Division I FCS independent schools for the 2025 season?
Answer: Two
Explanation: As of the 2025 season, there are two teams classified as NCAA Division I FCS independent schools.
What is the projected number of FCS independent teams for the 2026 season?
Answer: One
Explanation: The projected number of FCS independent teams for the 2026 season is one.
Which two institutions are currently competing as FCS independents as of the 2025 season?
Answer: Merrimack College and Sacred Heart University
Explanation: Merrimack College and Sacred Heart University are the two institutions currently competing as FCS independents for the 2025 season.
Why are Merrimack College and Sacred Heart University competing as FCS independents in the 2025 season?
Answer: Their primary conference, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), does not sponsor football.
Explanation: Merrimack College and Sacred Heart University are FCS independents in 2025 because their primary conference, the MAAC, does not sponsor football.
What are Sacred Heart University's plans regarding its independent status after the 2025 season?
Answer: It plans to join CAA Football.
Explanation: After the 2025 season, Sacred Heart University intends to join CAA Football, transitioning from its independent status.
In what year was Merrimack College founded?
Answer: 1947
Explanation: Merrimack College was founded in 1947, according to its institutional profile.
James Madison was allowed to skip the first year of the normal two-year FBS transition process because it met FBS scheduling requirements in its initial Sun Belt season in 2022.
Answer: True
Explanation: James Madison received an exception to skip the first year of the FBS transition due to meeting scheduling requirements, specifically playing five home games against FBS opposition in its inaugural Sun Belt season in 2022.
Arkansas State was an FCS independent from 1987 to 1991 after leaving the Southland Conference.
Answer: True
Explanation: Arkansas State was indeed an FCS independent from 1987 to 1991 after its departure from the Southland Conference.
Buffalo's football program joined the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 1998.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Buffalo became a full member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 1998, its football program specifically joined the MAC in 1999.
Charlotte joined Conference USA (CUSA) from 2015 to 2022 and is currently a member of the American Athletic Conference.
Answer: True
Explanation: Charlotte was a member of Conference USA from 2015 to 2022 and is currently affiliated with the American Athletic Conference.
Coastal Carolina was an FCS independent in 2017 before joining the Sun Belt Conference.
Answer: False
Explanation: Coastal Carolina was an FCS independent in 2016, joining the Sun Belt Conference for football in 2017.
Delaware is set to join Conference USA in 2025 after beginning its transition to FBS in 2024.
Answer: True
Explanation: Delaware is indeed slated to join Conference USA in 2025, having commenced its transition to FBS in 2024.
FIU started its football program and competed as an FCS independent from 2002 to 2004.
Answer: True
Explanation: FIU commenced its football program and competed as an FCS independent for the seasons spanning 2002 to 2004.
Florida Atlantic joined the Sun Belt Conference from 2005 to 2013.
Answer: False
Explanation: Florida Atlantic was a member of the Sun Belt Conference from 2005 to 2012, not 2013.
Georgia Southern was an FCS independent from 1984 to 1991, having previously had a club football program.
Answer: True
Explanation: Georgia Southern operated as an FCS independent from 1984 to 1991, following its prior existence as a club football program.
Georgia State started its football program and competed as an FCS independent from 2010 to 2012.
Answer: False
Explanation: Georgia State initiated its football program and competed as an FCS independent from 2010 to 2011, not 2012.
Kennesaw State was an FCS independent in 2023 and is set to join the American Athletic Conference in 2024.
Answer: False
Explanation: Kennesaw State was an FCS independent in 2023 and is set to join Conference USA (CUSA) in 2024, not the American Athletic Conference.
Liberty became a full FBS member in 2018.
Answer: False
Explanation: Liberty began its transition to FBS in 2017 and became a full FBS member in 2019, not 2018.
Old Dominion started its football program and was an FCS independent from 2009 to 2010 and again in 2013.
Answer: True
Explanation: Old Dominion initiated its football program and operated as an FCS independent from 2009 to 2010, with another independent period in 2013.
What was the specific exception for James Madison regarding FBS scheduling requirements?
Answer: It met FBS scheduling requirements in its initial Sun Belt season by playing five home games against FBS opposition.
Explanation: James Madison was granted an exception to bypass the first year of the FBS transition process because it fulfilled FBS scheduling requirements in its inaugural Sun Belt season by hosting five FBS opponents.
When was Arkansas State an FCS independent after leaving the Southland Conference?
Answer: 1987-1991
Explanation: Arkansas State was an FCS independent from 1987 to 1991 after its departure from the Southland Conference.
In what year did Buffalo's football program join the Mid-American Conference (MAC)?
Answer: 1999
Explanation: Buffalo's football program joined the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 1999.
As of 2023, which conference is Charlotte a member of?
Answer: American Athletic Conference
Explanation: As of 2023, Charlotte is a member of the American Athletic Conference.
In what year was Coastal Carolina an FCS independent before joining the Sun Belt Conference?
Answer: 2016
Explanation: Coastal Carolina was an FCS independent in 2016 before joining the Sun Belt Conference for football in 2017.
Which conference is Delaware set to join in 2025?
Answer: Conference USA
Explanation: Delaware is slated to join Conference USA in 2025 as part of its transition to FBS.
Since 2013, FIU has been a member of which conference?
Answer: Conference USA (CUSA)
Explanation: Since 2013, FIU has been a member of Conference USA (CUSA).
As of 2023, Florida Atlantic is a member of which conference?
Answer: The American (American Athletic Conference)
Explanation: As of 2023, Florida Atlantic is a member of The American (American Athletic Conference).
When was Georgia Southern an FCS independent after having a club football program?
Answer: 1984-1991
Explanation: Georgia Southern was an FCS independent from 1984 to 1991, following its history as a club football program.
Since 2013, Georgia State has been a member of which conference?
Answer: Sun Belt Conference
Explanation: Since 2013, Georgia State has been a member of the Sun Belt Conference.
As of 2022, James Madison is a member of which conference?
Answer: Sun Belt Conference
Explanation: As of 2022, James Madison is a member of the Sun Belt Conference.
Kennesaw State is set to join which conference in 2024?
Answer: Conference USA (CUSA)
Explanation: Kennesaw State is slated to join Conference USA (CUSA) in 2024.
In what year did Liberty become a full FBS member?
Answer: 2019
Explanation: Liberty became a full FBS member in 2019, completing its transition from FCS.
As of 2022, Old Dominion is a member of which conference?
Answer: Sun Belt Conference
Explanation: As of 2022, Old Dominion is a member of the Sun Belt Conference.
Abilene Christian was an FCS independent in 2014 before joining the Southland Conference.
Answer: False
Explanation: Abilene Christian was an FCS independent in 2013, transitioning from NCAA Division II, and then joined the Southland Conference from 2014 to 2020.
Austin Peay was an FCS independent in 2006 and later returned to Ohio Valley Conference football.
Answer: True
Explanation: Austin Peay was an FCS independent in 2006 and subsequently returned to Ohio Valley Conference football from 2007 to 2021.
Bucknell joined the Patriot League in 1986, which was initially known as the Colonial League for football.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bucknell joined the Patriot League in 1986, which was indeed initially referred to as the Colonial League for football.
Cal State Northridge dropped its football program after being an FCS independent in 2001.
Answer: True
Explanation: Cal State Northridge discontinued its football program following its FCS independent season in 2001.
Charleston Southern started its football program and competed as an FCS independent from 1993 to 2001.
Answer: True
Explanation: Charleston Southern initiated its football program and competed as an FCS independent during the period of 1993 to 2001.
East Tennessee State (ETSU) resurrected its football program in 2016 and played as an FCS independent that year.
Answer: False
Explanation: East Tennessee State (ETSU) resurrected its football program in 2015 and played as an FCS independent in that year, joining the Southern Conference in 2016.
Florida A&M had two periods as an FCS independent: from 1984 to 1987 and again in 2004, during which it was technically a MEAC member.
Answer: True
Explanation: Florida A&M experienced two distinct periods as an FCS independent, from 1984-1987 and in 2004, during which it maintained technical membership in the MEAC but its games did not count as conference play.
Hampton was an FCS independent in 2018 and is currently a member of the Big South Conference.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hampton was an FCS independent in 2018, but as of 2022, it is currently a member of CAA Football, not the Big South Conference.
Hofstra dropped its football program after joining the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Answer: True
Explanation: Hofstra discontinued its football program after its tenure in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Houston Christian, formerly Houston Baptist, was an FCS independent in 2013 and has been a member of the Southland Conference since 2014.
Answer: True
Explanation: Houston Christian, previously known as Houston Baptist, was an FCS independent in 2013 and has maintained its membership in the Southland Conference since 2014.
Iona dropped its football program after being an FCS independent in 2008.
Answer: True
Explanation: Iona discontinued its football program following its FCS independent season in 2008.
Incarnate Word transitioned from the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference to FCS independent status in 2013.
Answer: True
Explanation: Incarnate Word transitioned from the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference to FCS independent status in 2013.
Lamar dropped its football program after the 1989 season and resurrected it in 2009.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lamar discontinued its football program after the 1989 season and subsequently resurrected it in 2009.
La Salle dropped its football program after being an FCS independent from 1997 to 1998.
Answer: False
Explanation: La Salle dropped its football program after joining the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) from 1999 to 2007, not immediately after its independent period from 1997 to 1998.
Marist was an FCS independent in 1993 after leaving the Liberty Football Conference and again in 2008.
Answer: True
Explanation: Marist was an FCS independent in 1993 after departing the Liberty Football Conference, and again in 2008.
Monmouth started its football program and was an FCS independent from 1993 to 1995 and again in 2013.
Answer: True
Explanation: Monmouth initiated its football program and operated as an FCS independent from 1993 to 1995, with another independent period in 2013.
Morris Brown dropped its football program after being an FCS independent from 2001 to 2002.
Answer: True
Explanation: Morris Brown discontinued its football program after its FCS independent period from 2001 to 2002.
North Alabama was an FCS independent in 2018, transitioning from the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference.
Answer: True
Explanation: North Alabama was an FCS independent in 2018, having transitioned from the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference.
North Dakota was an FCS independent from 2018 to 2019 and is currently in the Big Sky Conference.
Answer: False
Explanation: North Dakota was an FCS independent from 2018 to 2019, but it has been a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) since 2020, not the Big Sky Conference.
Northeastern dropped its football program in 2010 after being an FCS independent and a Yankee Conference member.
Answer: True
Explanation: Northeastern discontinued its football program in 2010, following periods as an FCS independent and a Yankee Conference member.
Portland State was an FCS independent from 1978 to 1980 and is currently a member of the Big Sky Conference.
Answer: True
Explanation: Portland State was an FCS independent from 1978 to 1980 and has been a member of the Big Sky Conference since 1996.
Presbyterian was an FCS independent in 2020 after leaving the Big South Conference and is currently a member of the Pioneer Football League.
Answer: True
Explanation: Presbyterian was an FCS independent in 2020 after departing the Big South Conference and is currently a member of the Pioneer Football League.
Robert Morris is slated to rejoin the Northeast Conference in 2024.
Answer: True
Explanation: Robert Morris is indeed scheduled to rejoin the Northeast Conference in 2024.
Saint Francis (PA) has been a member of the Northeast Conference since 1996.
Answer: True
Explanation: Saint Francis (PA) has maintained its membership in the Northeast Conference since 1996.
Saint Mary's dropped its football program in 2004 after being an FCS independent.
Answer: True
Explanation: Saint Mary's discontinued its football program in 2004, following its period as an FCS independent.
Savannah State was an FCS independent from 2002 to 2009 and is currently in the MEAC.
Answer: False
Explanation: Savannah State was an FCS independent from 2002 to 2009, but it is currently a member of the SIAC (Division II) since 2019, not the MEAC.
As of 2023, which conference is Abilene Christian a member of?
Answer: United Athletic Conference (UAC)
Explanation: As of 2023, Abilene Christian is a member of the United Athletic Conference (UAC).
When did Austin Peay first become an FCS independent after leaving Ohio Valley Conference football?
Answer: 1997-2000
Explanation: Austin Peay first became an FCS independent from 1997 to 2000 after leaving Ohio Valley Conference football.
In what year did Bucknell join the Patriot League?
Answer: 1986
Explanation: Bucknell joined the Patriot League in 1986, having previously been an FCS independent.
What was the ultimate fate of Cal State Northridge's football program after its FCS independent season in 2001?
Answer: It dropped its football program.
Explanation: Following its FCS independent season in 2001, Cal State Northridge ultimately discontinued its football program.
When did Charleston Southern start its football program and compete as an FCS independent?
Answer: 1993
Explanation: Charleston Southern initiated its football program and competed as an FCS independent starting in 1993.
In what year did East Tennessee State (ETSU) resurrect its football program?
Answer: 2015
Explanation: East Tennessee State (ETSU) resurrected its football program in 2015 after a period of dormancy.
Which of the following accurately describes Florida A&M's periods as an FCS independent?
Answer: 1984-1987 and 2004
Explanation: Florida A&M had two periods as an FCS independent: from 1984 to 1987 and again in 2004.
As of 2022, which conference is Hampton a member of?
Answer: CAA Football
Explanation: As of 2022, Hampton is a member of CAA Football.
What was the ultimate outcome for Hofstra's football program after its time as an FCS independent and Atlantic 10 Conference member?
Answer: It dropped its football program.
Explanation: Hofstra ultimately discontinued its football program after its periods as an FCS independent and an Atlantic 10 Conference member.
In what year did Houston Christian (formerly Houston Baptist) start its football program and become an FCS independent?
Answer: 2013
Explanation: Houston Christian (formerly Houston Baptist) started its football program and became an FCS independent in 2013.
What happened to Iona's football program after its FCS independent season in 2008?
Answer: It dropped its football program.
Explanation: After its FCS independent season in 2008, Iona discontinued its football program.
In what year did Incarnate Word become an FCS independent, transitioning from the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference?
Answer: 2013
Explanation: Incarnate Word became an FCS independent in 2013, transitioning from the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference.
In what year did Lamar resurrect its football program after dropping it in 1989?
Answer: 2010
Explanation: Lamar resurrected its football program in 2010, after having dropped it in 1989.
What was the ultimate fate of La Salle's football program after its independent period and MAAC membership?
Answer: It dropped its football program.
Explanation: La Salle ultimately discontinued its football program after its independent period and MAAC membership.
Since 2009, Marist has been a member of which conference?
Answer: Pioneer Football League
Explanation: Since 2009, Marist has been a member of the Pioneer Football League.
As of 2022, which conference is Monmouth a member of?
Answer: CAA Football
Explanation: As of 2022, Monmouth is a member of CAA Football.
What happened to Morris Brown's football program after its FCS independent period from 2001 to 2002?
Answer: It dropped its football program.
Explanation: Morris Brown discontinued its football program after its FCS independent period from 2001 to 2002.
As of 2023, North Alabama is a member of which conference?
Answer: United Athletic Conference (UAC)
Explanation: As of 2023, North Alabama is a member of the United Athletic Conference (UAC).
Since 2020, North Dakota has been a member of which conference?
Answer: Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC)
Explanation: Since 2020, North Dakota has been a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC).
In what year did Northeastern drop its football program?
Answer: 2010
Explanation: Northeastern discontinued its football program in 2010.
Since 1996, Portland State has been a member of which conference?
Answer: Big Sky Conference
Explanation: Since 1996, Portland State has been a member of the Big Sky Conference.
Since 2021, Presbyterian has been a member of which conference?
Answer: Pioneer Football League
Explanation: Since 2021, Presbyterian has been a member of the Pioneer Football League.
Robert Morris is slated to rejoin which conference in the future (2024)?
Answer: Northeast Conference
Explanation: Robert Morris is scheduled to rejoin the Northeast Conference in 2024.
Since 1996, Saint Francis (PA) has been a member of which conference?
Answer: Northeast Conference
Explanation: Since 1996, Saint Francis (PA) has been a member of the Northeast Conference.
In what year did Saint Mary's drop its football program after being an FCS independent?
Answer: 2004
Explanation: Saint Mary's discontinued its football program in 2004, following its period as an FCS independent.
In the 'Former FCS independents' table, years listed represent calendar years for conference changes.
Answer: False
Explanation: The years in the 'Former FCS independents' table represent football seasons, with the final season being the calendar year *before* a conference change officially took effect, not the calendar year of the change itself.
Current FBS members in the 'Former FCS independents' table are indicated by being listed in bold.
Answer: False
Explanation: Current FBS members, including 'second-year transitional schools,' are indicated in the 'Former FCS independents' table by being listed in *italics*, not bold.
How are the years listed in the 'Former FCS independents' table interpreted?
Answer: They represent football seasons, with the final season being the calendar year before a conference change.
Explanation: The years in the 'Former FCS independents' table denote football seasons, where the final season of independent status or conference membership is the calendar year preceding an official conference change.
How are current FBS members, including 'second-year transitional schools,' indicated in the 'Former FCS independents' table?
Answer: They are listed in italics.
Explanation: Current FBS members, including 'second-year transitional schools,' are indicated in the 'Former FCS independents' table by being listed in italics.