Northeastern State University to add 7 varsity sports teams over the next 2 seasons

Northeastern State University announced on Monday that it would add seven new varsity teams over the next two years. The additions would be the largest expansion of the athletic department in school history.

Men's and women's wrestling, and volleyball, will debut as varsity sports in 2026-27.

Men's and women's indoor and outdoor track, and men's and women's cross country will be added in 2027-28.

Earlier this year in March, the school announced the revival of the men's tennis program. The team will compete this upcoming fall season after a 24-year absence.

The university will immediately start a nationwide search for its wrestling and volleyball head coaches. 

Track and field was previously sponsored at NSU until the 1990s, and volleyball was fielded in the late 1970s.

Once all new teams are in place, NSU's total number of varsity sports will increase to 18.

Director of Athletics John Sisemore:

"Once our expansion is complete, we look to have over 300 new student-athletes on our campus. Working with Northeastern State University President Dr. Rodney Hanley and the NSU cabinet members, we knew this would be great for the future of NSU and huge for Tahlequah."

"For years, local high school student-athletes in these sports had to attend other regional universities, and now they will be able to choose Northeastern State and [we can] keep those talents close to home. There has been tremendous positive feedback for the addition of these programs, with the local popularity of wrestling, especially the rapid growth of women's wrestling, it would not be a surprise to see that sport competing at the NCAA Division I level soon."