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5 Shocking Reasons Franciscan University Athletics Is Dominating NCAA DIII In 2025

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The Franciscan University of Steubenville Barons are currently experiencing a historic surge in athletic performance, solidifying their unique position within the NCAA Division III landscape. As of December 22, 2025, the program is riding high on a wave of recent successes, including a stunning national championship win and strong showings across the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC). This comprehensive guide provides the freshest information on the Barons' teams, their competitive standing, and the major developments shaping the future of athletics in Steubenville, Ohio. The university's commitment to a holistic student-athlete experience—blending competitive sports with a strong Catholic mission—has created a compelling narrative that is attracting attention far beyond the Ohio Valley. From the expansion of varsity offerings to major individual honors, the Franciscan Barons are proving that success in Division III can be found through dedication, faith, and fierce competition.

Franciscan University Barons Athletics: A Quick Profile

Franciscan University of Steubenville, often simply referred to as Franciscan, boasts a robust and growing athletic program that competes at the highest level of non-scholarship collegiate sports. The program is known for its distinctive blend of faith-based education and competitive spirit.
  • University Name: Franciscan University of Steubenville
  • Location: Steubenville, Ohio, U.S.
  • Mascot: Baron von Steuben (The Barons)
  • School Colors: Green and Gold
  • President: Father Dave Pivonka, TOR
  • Athletic Affiliation: NCAA Division III
  • Primary Conference: Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC)
  • Varsity Sports: Over 20 Men's and Women's Intercollegiate Teams
  • Notable Facilities: Finnegan Fieldhouse, Belleview Park Courts, Steubenville Country Club (for Golf)

The 2025 National Title That Shook DIII Rugby

The most significant and recent achievement for Franciscan Athletics is the monumental success of the Men's Rugby program. On December 15, 2025, the team captured the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Division III Championship. This victory instantly elevated the profile of the entire athletic department, marking a historic milestone as the program’s first-ever national title in a major collegiate sport. The Men's Rugby team, which competes outside of the PAC in the Allegheny Rugby Union, demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication throughout the 2025 season. The championship run was a testament to the university's investment in its club and varsity sports, showcasing the competitive potential of the Barons. This win not only brings national recognition to the rugby team but also generates immense positive momentum for other varsity programs heading into the 2026 calendar year.

Franciscan's Rising Star in the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC)

The Barons' competitive standing within their primary conference, the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC), is stronger than ever. Franciscan University is a full-time NCAA Division III member of the PAC, competing against institutions like Washington & Jefferson College and Saint Francis University. The PAC All-Sports Trophy is a key metric for overall athletic program strength, and the Barons are making significant strides. Through the Winter 2024-2025 season, Franciscan University was ranked 5th in the PAC All-Sports Trophy standings, accumulating 45.5 points. This mid-table position demonstrates a consistent competitive presence across multiple sports, moving the Barons away from the bottom of the league and into the top half of the conference.

Recent PAC Highlights (2024-2025):

  • Men's Basketball: The 2024-2025 season saw the Men's Basketball team achieve a noteworthy 15-12 record, showcasing a strong performance on the court.
  • Individual Honors: Franciscan athletes earned significant recognition, including First Team All-PAC #1 Singles and #1 Doubles honors in Women's Tennis for the 2024-2025 season.
  • Academic Excellence: The commitment to the student-athlete ideal was highlighted by Cadman and Clyde being named to the Academic All-District Team, underscoring the success of the university's mission.

The Full Roster: Over 20 Varsity Sports at Franciscan

Franciscan University prides itself on offering more than 20 men's and women's intercollegiate teams, ensuring a wide array of athletic opportunities for its students. The diversity of the program enhances its topical authority and competitive reach across the NCAA Division III landscape.

Men's Varsity Sports:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Swimming & Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field (Indoor/Outdoor)
  • Rugby (Club/Major Program)
  • Volleyball (Starting Spring 2027)

Women's Varsity Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming & Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field (Indoor/Outdoor)
  • Volleyball

Future Outlook: Expansion and Continued Competitive Growth

The trajectory for Franciscan University of Steubenville Athletics is pointed firmly toward expansion and increased competitiveness. The most concrete evidence of this is the official announcement of a new varsity program: Men's Volleyball. Men's Volleyball is slated to begin competition in the Spring of 2027. This strategic addition aligns with the Presidents' Athletic Conference's decision to sponsor the sport, beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year. The Barons will be one of the new programs joining the PAC's volleyball circuit, signaling a long-term vision for athletic growth and a commitment to new student-athlete opportunities. Furthermore, the university continues to support its successful club sports, such as the Ultimate Frisbee team, which consistently competes at a high level, and the Flag Football team, which recently gained media attention by participating in a scrimmage during a Pittsburgh Steelers halftime event. This robust support system, from varsity to club programs, is a cornerstone of the Barons' overall athletic strategy under the guidance of its leadership, including Athletic Director Daniel Andersen. The combination of a national title, strong PAC standings, and a clear expansion plan ensures that Franciscan University of Steubenville Athletics will remain a compelling and dominant force in NCAA Division III for years to come.
5 Shocking Reasons Franciscan University Athletics is Dominating NCAA DIII in 2025
franciscan university of steubenville athletics
franciscan university of steubenville athletics

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