It’s Official: UC Merced to Compete in NCAA Division II Athletics
UC Merced will begin Division II competition after official acceptance Thursday by the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA). The university will begin NCAA Division II competition in the 2025-26 academic year and will be fully eligible for postseason in 2026-27.
Nine of the Bobcats’ 12 intercollegiate varsity programs will compete in the CCCA (California Collegiate Athletic Association) conference. Men’s and women’s water polo will join the Western Water Polo Association. Men’s volleyball is applying for membership in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.