With 330 Division I schools in the U.S., picking the nation’s top athletic program is a daunting task. For nearly two decades, the Collegiate Directors of Athletics have done so, using components like a “64-team non-bracket point system” to determine the Directors’ Cup winner. (Stanford finished on top in ’07-08 for the 14th consecutive year). But critics argue that its formula is extremely complicated. Moreover, Stanford will likely continue to dominate for years to come.
In an effort to be a little less complicated, we came up with a different scoring system, a three-pronged formula that puts the emphasis on national titles, top 30 finishes and conference championships. The results are in and Arizona State is No. 1, based on its three national titles (softball and men’s and women’s indoor track and field) and 12 top 30 finishes.
NewMexiKen is not pleased. Arizona Friggin’ State!? To this University of Arizona grad, Arizona State is still just Tempe Normal School. Its teams aren’t the Sun Devils; they’re the Normals. (Tempe Normal School became Tempe State Teachers College in 1925 and Arizona State College in 1945. It became ASU in 1958. They’ve been the Sun Devils since 1956.)
SI.com’s Top 25 Rankings of the college programs
Seven Pac 10 schools in the top 25 — including Arizona. Four SEC. Three Big 10. Three ACC.