Illinois is home to some of the most well-known and successful college sports programs in the United States. From the University of Illinois to Northwestern University, the state is filled with Division 1 schools that compete at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics. In this article, we’ll take a look at the Division 1 schools located in Illinois and the sports programs they offer.
University of Illinois
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or simply the University of Illinois, is one of the most prestigious schools in the country and is located in Champaign, Illinois. The school is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has been competing at the Division 1 level since 1909. The school currently fields teams in 15 sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer.
Illinois State University
Illinois State University is located in Normal, Illinois and is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. The school has been competing at the Division 1 level since 1972 and fields teams in 11 sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer.
Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University is located in DeKalb, Illinois and is a member of the Mid-American Conference. The school has been competing at the Division 1 level since 1969 and fields teams in 16 sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer.
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago is located in Chicago, Illinois and is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. The school has been competing at the Division 1 level since 1973 and fields teams in 15 sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University is located in Evanston, Illinois and is a member of the Big Ten Conference. The school has been competing at the Division 1 level since 1899 and fields teams in 19 sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer.
Western Illinois University
Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, Illinois and is a member of the Summit League. The school has been competing at the Division 1 level since 1981 and fields teams in 13 sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer.
Eastern Illinois University
Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, Illinois and is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. The school has been competing at the Division 1 level since 1978 and fields teams in 13 sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer.
Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University is located in Carbondale, Illinois and is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. The school has been competing at the Division 1 level since 1967 and fields teams in 16 sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer.
Conclusion
Illinois is home to some of the most successful Division 1 programs in the country. From the University of Illinois to Northwestern University, the state is filled with Division 1 schools that compete at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics. In this article, we took a look at the Division 1 schools located in Illinois and the sports programs they offer.