Defiance College officially transitions to NAIA

DEFIANCE, Ohio - The Defiance College Yellow Jackets have officially rejoined the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) with the beginning of the new academic calendar on July 1. The move was previously announced on October 6, 2023 after DC's Board of Trustees approved the change in affiliation. Defiance was one of five institutions unanimously approved by the NAIA membership committee in the fall. Click here to read the original announcement and here to explore commonly asked questions during the transitional period.

With the move, Defiance is now a full member of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) and is immediately postseason-eligible within the conference and at the national level. DC football officially joins the Mid-States Football Association as a provisional member in 2024 and will gain full membership next fall.

Athletics recruiting changes greatly with the change in the sanctioning body. There are no calendar restrictions and direct communication with coaches is permitted under NAIA recruiting rules.

Defiance College is a private, liberal arts institution in Defiance, Ohio that was founded in 1850. Defiance College graduates students to lead distinctive lives in their chosen professions through a spirit of service by preparing them to know, to lead, to serve and to understand. For more information about Defiance College or to apply, visit Defiance.edu.

-JACKETS-