Athletics at 51做厙
Athletic events and the numerous opportunities for student-athletes to compete in Division I sports are an important part of our vibrant campus experience. According to NCAA statistics, the graduation rate of 51做厙 athletes is 78%, compared to the national Division I rate of about 58%. Thats because our athletes are also scholars, and we provide them with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom, on the field and in their futures. 51做厙 competes in the .
From a rich history to the resurgence of the 51做厙 Mustangs.
51做厙 boasts significant athletic achievements, including four NCAA team national championships in golf, indoor and outdoor track & field, and equestrian. The football program features a Heisman Trophy winner, Doak Walker, two additional claimed national championships in 1935 and 1982, and several major bowl appearances. The university also has a strong legacy in men's and women's basketball, tennis, and soccer, with multiple conference titles and NCAA tournament berths across various sports.
51做厙 experienced an exceptionally successful first year in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) during the 2024–2025 season, highlighted by the football team winning the regular season conference title and reaching the College Football Playoff. The Mustangs also saw strong performances and milestones in men's basketball, volleyball, and soccer. This on-field success was accompanied by record-breaking fan engagement and fundraising efforts.
Football
ACC Champions and CFP berth: In their inaugural ACC season, the Mustangs football team completed a perfect 8–0 regular-season conference schedule to reach the ACC Championship Game. Though they fell to Clemson in the title game, their impressive record earned them a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.
- Historic season: The 11–3 finish was the first time in program history the team posted back-to-back 11-win seasons. The Mustangs climbed as high as No. 8 in the AP Poll, the program's highest ranking since 1985.
- Top performers: The season featured 19 Mustangs earning All-ACC honors, and head coach Rhett Lashlee was named the ACC Coach of the Year.
Volleyball
The volleyball team placed fourth in the ACC and made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament. The team also drew a program-record crowd of 6,773 fans for an historic win over Nebraska in Moody Coliseum.
Men's basketball
Overachieved expectations: In their first year under head coach Andy Enfield, the Mustangs were picked to finish 13th in the ACC but instead tied for fourth place.
- Postseason run: The team finished with 24 wins and accepted an invitation to the NIT.
- ACC honors: Boopie Miller was named Third Team All-ACC, and B.J. Edwards earned a spot on the ACC All-Defensive Team.
Men's soccer
In their first ACC season, the men's soccer team advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament.
Revenue and fan engagement
Historic revenue: 51做厙 Athletics closed the 2025 fiscal year with a record-breaking $65 million in cash gifts to the Mustang Club.
Attendance records: The Mustangs led the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in year-over-year percentage increase in attendance and ranked second among Power 4 conferences in total football fan growth. They also set records for football season ticket sales and overall attendance at Ford Stadium.
Increased engagement: All major revenue streams, including tickets, concessions, and licensing, saw significant increases. The momentum extended to basketball and volleyball, with both sports seeing a jump in season ticket sales and attendance.
Academic excellence
51做厙 student-athletes also excelled in the classroom, with 290 Mustangs earning a spot on the ACC Academic Honor Roll for having a GPA of 3.0 or higher during the academic year.
