D2 Football Schools: Complete List by State (2026)

Division II football is the most overlooked opportunity in college athletics.

Families chase D1 because they know the names.

They chase FBS because they see the stadiums on TV.

Meanwhile, D2 programs are building winning cultures, developing NFL talent, and offering scholarships that actually cover costs.

Here is every D2 football school organized by state.

Use this as your recruiting map.

Find schools in your region.

Find schools where you can compete.

Find schools where you can win.

Why D2 Football Deserves Your Attention

Before we get into the state-by-state list, understand what D2 football actually is.

Division II is a full NCAA division with 170+ football programs across the country.

D2 schools offer athletic scholarships.

The scholarship model is different from D1.

D2 programs get 36 scholarships total compared to 85 at FBS.

This means more partial scholarships.

More roster spots for walk-ons who earn their way.

More opportunity for good players who are not elite recruits.

The football is serious.

D2 national championship games draw 10,000+ fans.

The Super Region rankings matter.

Conference titles are celebrated.

Players develop and some reach the NFL.

The academics tend to be strong.

Most D2 schools are regional universities with solid reputations.

Class sizes are smaller.

Support systems are real.

If your son wants to play meaningful college football, graduate with a useful degree, and compete for championships, D2 is a legitimate path.

How D2 Scholarships Work

D2 uses an equivalency model.

The 36 scholarships can be divided among more than 36 players.

A common setup is 60-70 scholarship athletes with varying amounts.

Some players get full rides.

Some get 50% scholarships.

Some get 25%.

This creates opportunity.

A good player who might not get a full D1 offer can get a substantial D2 scholarship.

The total cost at most D2 schools is lower than D1 anyway.

A 50% scholarship at a D2 school might cover the same dollar amount as a 25% scholarship at an expensive D1.

Run the actual numbers.

Look at net cost, not just scholarship percentage.

D2 Football Schools by State

Here is the complete list organized alphabetically by state.

Each school includes their conference so you can see natural regional groupings.

Alabama

• Miles College - Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
• Tuskegee University - Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
• University of North Alabama - Gulf South Conference (now D1)
• University of West Alabama - Gulf South Conference

Alabama has strong SIAC programs with rich HBCU traditions.

West Alabama has been a consistent Gulf South competitor.

Search Alabama D2 coaches on SCOUT

Alaska

No D2 football programs.

Arizona

• No current D2 football programs.

Arizona recruits should look at neighboring states or other divisions.

Arkansas

• Arkansas Tech University - Great American Conference
• Harding University - Great American Conference
• Henderson State University - Great American Conference
• Ouachita Baptist University - Great American Conference
• Southern Arkansas University - Great American Conference
• University of Arkansas-Monticello - Great American Conference

Arkansas is dominated by the Great American Conference.

These schools are within driving distance of each other.

Family can attend most games.

Harding has been consistently strong.

Search Arkansas D2 coaches on SCOUT

California

• Azusa Pacific University - Pacific West Conference
• Cal Poly Humboldt - Lone Star Conference (transitioning)
• Cal State LA - Independent

California D2 football options are limited.

Most California players look at D1 or D3 in-state, or D2 out of state.

Search California D2 coaches on SCOUT

Colorado

• Adams State University - Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
• Colorado Mesa University - Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
• Colorado School of Mines - Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
• Colorado State University-Pueblo - Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
• Fort Lewis College - Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
• Western Colorado University - Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference

Colorado is loaded with D2 options.

The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is one of the best D2 conferences in the country.

Colorado School of Mines regularly competes for national rankings.

CSU-Pueblo has won multiple national championships.

This is an underrated D2 recruiting destination.

Search Colorado D2 coaches on SCOUT

Connecticut

• No D2 football programs.

Connecticut recruits should look at Northeast D2 programs in Pennsylvania and neighboring states.

Delaware

• No D2 football programs.

Florida

• University of West Florida - Gulf South Conference

Florida has limited D2 options.

Most Florida players go D1, NAIA, or out of state for D2.

West Florida has been successful since launching their program.

Search Florida D2 coaches on SCOUT

Georgia

• Albany State University - Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
• Clark Atlanta University - Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
• Fort Valley State University - Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
• Morehouse College - Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
• Savannah State University - Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
• Valdosta State University - Gulf South Conference

Georgia has excellent D2 options.

Valdosta State is a perennial national championship contender.

Multiple strong HBCU programs with proud traditions.

Search Georgia D2 coaches on SCOUT

Hawaii

• No D2 football programs.

Idaho

• No D2 football programs.

Idaho players typically look at Big Sky D1-FCS or NAIA options.

Illinois

• Quincy University - Great Lakes Valley Conference
• University of Illinois Springfield - Great Lakes Valley Conference

Illinois D2 options are limited.

Most Illinois recruits look at D3 in-state or D2 in neighboring states.

Search Illinois D2 coaches on SCOUT

Indiana

• University of Indianapolis - Great Lakes Valley Conference
• University of Southern Indiana - Great Lakes Valley Conference

The GLVC schools in Indiana offer solid regional D2 football.

Search Indiana D2 coaches on SCOUT

Iowa

• Upper Iowa University - Great Lakes Athletic Conference

Iowa has limited D2 but strong D3 and NAIA options.

Search Iowa D2 coaches on SCOUT

Kansas

• Emporia State University - Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
• Fort Hays State University - Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
• Pittsburg State University - Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
• Washburn University - Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association

Kansas D2 programs compete in the MIAA, one of the strongest D2 conferences.

Pittsburg State has national championship history.

Fort Hays State regularly wins conference titles.

Search Kansas D2 coaches on SCOUT

Kentucky

• Kentucky State University - Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
• Kentucky Wesleyan College - Great Midwest Athletic Conference

Kentucky D2 options are limited but growing.

Search Kentucky D2 coaches on SCOUT

Louisiana

• No D2 football programs.

Louisiana is dominated by D1-FCS and FBS programs.

HBCU recruits should look at Grambling, Southern, and others in the SWAC.

Maine

• No D2 football programs.

Maryland

• Bowie State University - Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)

Bowie State is a strong HBCU D2 program in the DMV area.

Search Maryland D2 coaches on SCOUT

Massachusetts

• American International College - Northeast 10 Conference
• Assumption University - Northeast 10 Conference
• Bentley University - Northeast 10 Conference
• Stonehill College - Northeast 10 Conference

Massachusetts has solid Northeast 10 D2 options.

Search Massachusetts D2 coaches on SCOUT

Michigan

• Davenport University - Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
• Ferris State University - Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
• Grand Valley State University - Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
• Michigan Tech - Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
• Northern Michigan University - Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
• Northwood University - Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
• Saginaw Valley State University - Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
• Wayne State University - Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

Michigan is loaded with D2 talent.

Grand Valley State has won multiple national championships.

Ferris State won the 2021 national title.

The GLIAC is one of the premier D2 conferences.

Search Michigan D2 coaches on SCOUT

Minnesota

• Bemidji State University - Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
• Concordia University St. Paul - Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
• Minnesota Duluth - Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
• Minnesota State Mankato - Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
• Minnesota State Moorhead - Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
• St. Cloud State University - Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
• Southwest Minnesota State University - Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
• University of Mary - Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
• University of Sioux Falls - Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
• Winona State University - Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference

Minnesota and the NSIC represent some of the best D2 football in America.

Minnesota State Mankato has been to multiple championship games.

Minnesota Duluth has a strong program.

The NSIC is brutally competitive.

Search Minnesota D2 coaches on SCOUT

Mississippi

• Delta State University - Gulf South Conference
• Mississippi College - Gulf South Conference

Mississippi D2 programs compete in the Gulf South.

Search Mississippi D2 coaches on SCOUT

Missouri

• Central Missouri - Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
• Lindenwood University - Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
• Missouri Southern State - Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
• Missouri Western State - Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
• Northwest Missouri State - Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
• Truman State University - Great Lakes Valley Conference

Missouri is D2 country.

Northwest Missouri State has won more D2 national championships than any other program.

The MIAA is loaded with talent.

Search Missouri D2 coaches on SCOUT

Montana

• No D2 football programs.

Montana players look at Big Sky D1-FCS or Frontier Conference NAIA.

Nebraska

• Chadron State College - Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
• University of Nebraska at Kearney - Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
• Wayne State College - Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference

Nebraska D2 programs are spread across multiple conferences.

Search Nebraska D2 coaches on SCOUT

Nevada

• No D2 football programs.

New Hampshire

• Saint Anselm College - Northeast 10 Conference
• Southern New Hampshire University - Northeast 10 Conference

New Hampshire has solid Northeast 10 options.

Search New Hampshire D2 coaches on SCOUT

New Jersey

• No D2 football programs.

New Jersey recruits typically look at Pennsylvania D2 programs.

New Mexico

• Eastern New Mexico University - Lone Star Conference
• New Mexico Highlands University - Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
• Western New Mexico University - Lone Star Conference

New Mexico has solid D2 options in two conferences.

Search New Mexico D2 coaches on SCOUT

New York

• Pace University - Northeast 10 Conference

New York has limited D2 football.

Most NY recruits look at D3 or Pennsylvania D2 programs.

Search New York D2 coaches on SCOUT

North Carolina

• Barton College - South Atlantic Conference
• Catawba College - South Atlantic Conference
• Chowan University - Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
• Elizabeth City State - Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
• Fayetteville State University - Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
• Johnson C. Smith University - Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
• Lenoir-Rhyne University - South Atlantic Conference
• Livingstone College - Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
• Mars Hill University - South Atlantic Conference
• Shaw University - Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
• St. Augustine's University - Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
• UNC Pembroke - Mountain East Conference
• Wingate University - South Atlantic Conference
• Winston-Salem State - Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)

North Carolina is loaded with D2 options.

Strong CIAA HBCU programs.

Competitive SAC schools.

Lenoir-Rhyne has been nationally ranked.

Search North Carolina D2 coaches on SCOUT

North Dakota

• Minot State University - Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
• University of Mary - Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference

North Dakota D2 programs compete in the strong NSIC.

Search North Dakota D2 coaches on SCOUT

Ohio

• Ashland University - Great Midwest Athletic Conference
• Findlay University - Great Midwest Athletic Conference
• Hillsdale College - Great Midwest Athletic Conference
• Lake Erie College - Great Midwest Athletic Conference
• Malone University - Great Midwest Athletic Conference
• Notre Dame College - Mountain East Conference
• Ohio Dominican University - Great Midwest Athletic Conference
• Tiffin University - Great Midwest Athletic Conference
• Urbana University - Great Midwest Athletic Conference
• Walsh University - Great Midwest Athletic Conference

Ohio is stacked with D2 programs.

The Great Midwest Athletic Conference is competitive.

Ashland has strong traditions.

Search Ohio D2 coaches on SCOUT

Oklahoma

• East Central University - Great American Conference
• Northeastern State University - Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
• Northwestern Oklahoma State - Great American Conference
• Oklahoma Baptist University - Great American Conference
• Southeastern Oklahoma State - Great American Conference
• Southwestern Oklahoma State - Great American Conference

Oklahoma has solid GAC and MIAA options.

Search Oklahoma D2 coaches on SCOUT

Oregon

• No D2 football programs.

Oregon recruits look at D1 in-state or GNAC D2 schools in other states.

Pennsylvania

• Bloomsburg University - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
• California University of Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
• Clarion University - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
• East Stroudsburg University - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
• Edinboro University - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
• Gannon University - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
• Kutztown University - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
• Lock Haven University - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
• Mercyhurst University - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
• Millersville University - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
• Seton Hill University - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
• Shippensburg University - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
• Slippery Rock University - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
• West Chester University - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference

Pennsylvania is a D2 powerhouse.

The PSAC is one of the deepest D2 conferences in America.

Multiple nationally ranked programs every year.

Slippery Rock, West Chester, and IUP regularly compete for national rankings.

This is where serious D2 football happens.

Search Pennsylvania D2 coaches on SCOUT

Rhode Island

• No D2 football programs.

South Carolina

• Anderson University - South Atlantic Conference
• Benedict College - Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
• Claflin University - Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
• Limestone University - South Atlantic Conference
• Newberry College - South Atlantic Conference

South Carolina has good SAC and SIAC D2 options.

Search South Carolina D2 coaches on SCOUT

South Dakota

• Augustana University - Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
• Black Hills State - Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
• South Dakota Mines - Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
• University of Sioux Falls - Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference

South Dakota programs compete in two strong conferences.

Augustana has been consistently excellent.

Search South Dakota D2 coaches on SCOUT

Tennessee

• Carson-Newman University - South Atlantic Conference
• Lane College - Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
• Tusculum University - South Atlantic Conference

Tennessee D2 options are limited but quality.

Carson-Newman has strong traditions.

Search Tennessee D2 coaches on SCOUT

Texas

• Angelo State University - Lone Star Conference
• Eastern New Mexico University - Lone Star Conference
• Midwestern State University - Lone Star Conference
• Texas A&M University-Commerce - Lone Star Conference (now D1)
• Texas A&M University-Kingsville - Lone Star Conference
• Texas Permian Basin - Lone Star Conference
• University of Texas of the Permian Basin - Lone Star Conference
• West Texas A&M University - Lone Star Conference

Texas has strong Lone Star Conference options.

Texas A&M Commerce has moved to D1 but left a tradition of excellence.

West Texas A&M has been nationally competitive.

Search Texas D2 coaches on SCOUT

Utah

• Dixie State University (Utah Tech) - Transitioning to D1

Utah D2 options are essentially gone with Dixie State's D1 transition.

Vermont

• No D2 football programs.

Virginia

• Virginia State University - Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
• Virginia Union University - Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
• Virginia-Lynchburg - Independent

Virginia has strong CIAA HBCU D2 programs.

Search Virginia D2 coaches on SCOUT

Washington

• Central Washington University - Great Northwest Athletic Conference
• Humboldt State University - Great Northwest Athletic Conference

Washington D2 options are limited.

Central Washington is a solid program.

Search Washington D2 coaches on SCOUT

West Virginia

• Alderson Broaddus University - Mountain East Conference
• Concord University - Mountain East Conference
• Fairmont State University - Mountain East Conference
• Glenville State College - Mountain East Conference
• Shepherd University - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
• University of Charleston - Mountain East Conference
• West Liberty University - Mountain East Conference
• West Virginia State University - Mountain East Conference
• West Virginia Wesleyan College - Mountain East Conference
• Wheeling University - Mountain East Conference

West Virginia is stacked with D2 programs.

The Mountain East Conference is deep and competitive.

Shepherd plays in the PSAC and has been nationally ranked.

Search West Virginia D2 coaches on SCOUT

Wisconsin

• University of Wisconsin-Parkside - Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

Wisconsin has limited D2 but excellent D3 options.

Search Wisconsin D2 coaches on SCOUT

Wyoming

• No D2 football programs.

How to Contact D2 Coaches

Now that you have the list, here is how to actually reach these coaches.

Step 1: Build Your Target List

Pick 20-30 D2 schools that make sense for your situation.

Consider geography, academics, cost, and realistic playing opportunity.

Use SCOUT to find coach emails and contact info for each program.

Step 2: Write Your Initial Email

Keep it short.

Include your basic stats, your highlight film, and why that specific school interests you.

Do not send the same generic email to every coach.

Mention something specific about their program.

Step 3: Follow Up

Coaches are busy.

One email is not enough.

Follow up every 2-3 weeks with updates on your season.

New film, new stats, new offers.

Step 4: Make Visits

If a coach responds positively, schedule unofficial visits.

D2 coaches have recruiting budgets.

Show genuine interest by showing up.

Why D2 Over D1

Here is the honest truth.

Most high school football players are not D1 recruits.

The numbers do not lie.

About 7% of high school players play college football at any level.

D1 FBS has 130 programs with 85 scholarships each.

That is roughly 11,000 D1 FBS scholarship players.

There are over 1 million high school football players.

The math is brutal.

D2 offers a different path.

Smaller rosters mean more playing time opportunity.

Partial scholarships can still cover significant costs.

The competition level is still high.

And you can actually play.

A four-year D2 starter has a better college experience than a four-year D1 scout team player.

Think about what you actually want from college football.

If the answer is playing time, development, and a real college experience, D2 should be on your board.

Next Steps

1. Use this list to identify 10-15 D2 schools that fit your situation.
2. Search each school's coaches on SCOUT to get direct contact information.
3. Send personalized outreach to recruiting coordinators and position coaches.
4. Follow up consistently through your junior and senior seasons.

D2 football is a legitimate path for serious recruits.

Do not overlook it because you do not see it on ESPN.

The schools on this list have produced professionals.

They have won championships.

They have changed lives.

Maybe yours is next.

Start searching D2 coaches on SCOUT