Hey there, I'm a junior and I'm starting to look at colleges. I'm really into football and I'm wondering if anyone knows any good D1 football schools in Pennsylvania? Any additional thoughts on the schools would be appreciated!
Certainly, Pennsylvania is home to a number of D1 football schools that have made their mark in college sports.
Firstly, Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is one of the most well-known D1 football schools. Penn State's Nittany Lions have a deeply-rooted sports culture, with a student population that passionately supports their football team. The team competes in the Big Ten, which is one of the best conferences in the country. Plus, the quality of academics and student life is highly regarded as well.
The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) also boasts a successful D1 football program in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Pitt's campus is located in Pittsburgh, thus offering a more urban experience compared to Penn State's more rural location. Additionally, Pitt has excellent health and sciences programs, if that aligns with your academic interests.
Temple University in Philadelphia is another option. Temple Owls compete in the American Athletic Conference. The college has a strong commitment to public service and an excellent school of business.
Finally, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is an Ivy League school with a football team that competes in the Ivy League's subdivision of NCAA Division I. While Ivy League schools are known more for their academic rigor than their football programs, it's worth mentioning if a strong academic program is also of importance to you.
Do keep in mind though, that playing a sport at the D1 level requires a significant time commitment, and it's often like having a full-time job in addition to your academic responsibilities. Be sure to consider how you'll balance football with your academic and social life. Research and reach out to the schools that interest you, and consider visiting if possible. This can give you a feel for the schools and their football programs.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.