MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - University of St. Thomas athletic teams will be eligible for postseason play starting in the fall of 2025 after the NCAA approved a rule change on Wednesday.
The probationary period for colleges making the leap to Division I has been five years. That has now been shorted to four, under the provision that competing teams meet the criteria. The St. Thomas football team will be the first to get there, starting in the fall of 2025.
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St. Thomas basketball teams enter Year 4 in Division I
University of St. Thomas basketball coaches John Tauer and Ruth Sinn spoke Monday in front of what will be their new arena next season. Both Tommies teams open their 2024-2025 season in two weeks.
The 2025-26 school year also happens to be when the school’s new on-campus arena for basketball and hockey will open.
The context
Why it matters: Regardless of how Tommies’ teams finished, they weren’t eligible for the playoffs until their probationary period ended. Glenn Caruso’s football team went 10-1 in 2022, just the second season in Division I, and won the Pioneer League with an 8-0 record. But they weren’t eligible for the FCS Playoffs.
The St. Thomas men’s basketball team is currently tied for the Summit League lead at 4-0, but John Tauer’s squad won’t be eligible for the NCAA Tournament until next season. Typical, mid-major teams have to win their conference tournaments after the regular season to hear their name on Selection Sunday.
The university reacts
What they’re saying: St. Thomas Athletic Director Phil Esten released a statement on Wednesday after the ruling.
"I want to thank the NCAA Division I Council for their support of a reduced provisional period for reclassifying institutions as it adopts contemporary thinking around this topic. The Strategic Vision and Planning Committee has detailed a modernized approach to reclassification and St. Thomas is both appreciative for their deliberate approach and optimistic about our bright future. This gives the Tommies a national stage on which we will continue our pursuit of comprehensive excellence while providing student-athletes with a transformative experience," Esten said.