Schreiner University to rejoin American Southwest Conference in 2026

Schreiner University will rejoin the American Southwest Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, returning to the league it departed in 2013.

The Mountaineers, who competed in the ASC from 1999-2013, will leave the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference after joining that league for the 2013-2014 season.

Schreiner’s football program will officially debut in the 2026-2027 school year, joining a competitive ASC football landscape.

“In a world in which college athletics seems mired in uncertainty, Schreiner University is honored to join our colleagues in constituting a renewed American Southwest Conference,” said Dr. Charlie McCormick, Schreiner University president. “This will provide stability and certainty–as well as a commitment to excellence–for our student-athletes and coaches for years to come.”

The Mountaineers enter an ASC football conference dominated by University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, a perennial Division III powerhouse that captured the 2021 national championship with a perfect 15-0 record. The Crusaders finished 9-4 last season.

Hardin-Simmons posted an impressive 10-1 record last season, while McMurry went 7-3 and East Texas Baptist finished 6-4. Howard Payne struggled with a 2-8 mark.

University officials cite shorter travel distances as a key benefit for student-athletes, families and fans. The move also revives traditional rivalries from Schreiner’s previous ASC membership.

McMurry University will join the conference simultaneously with Schreiner. Both additions follow a year of evaluation and collaboration, according to conference officials.

“The addition of these two respected institutions, located squarely in the membership footprint, will ensure continuity and enhanced success of the American Southwest Conference,” said ASC Commissioner David Flores. “I’m proud of the faithful leadership of our member institution presidents for their commitment to focus on the long-term future of the Conference.”

Conference membership will include Schreiner University, McMurry University, East Texas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University, Howard Payne University and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.