Westlake, Ohio - The University of Findlay athletic department has finished 16th nationally out of 299 Division II schools in the 2025-26 Learfield | IMG College Directors' Cup standings which was announced on Tuesday, June 9. This is the second-highest finish in the history of Findlay athletics, following last year's tenth-place finish which was the best in department history. Findlay scored 566.25 points this year. Points, which can only be earned by teams who make NCAA postseason play, are awarded based on each institution's finish in Division II competition. This marks the first time in department history that Findlay has secured back-to-back top-20 finishes.

The University of Findlay sponsors a total of 22 teams and of those, 13 earned trips to the NCAA postseason, tied for the most in the history of the department. During 2025-26, UF's top team finishers were women's golf and women's tennis which each finished tied for fifth after making appearances in the national quarterfinals.Women's and men's swimming & diving each finished in the top-ten in the country, as well, ending the year in seventh and eighth, respectively.

"After our historic tenth-place finish last year, it was easy to think we had hit our ceiling," said Director of Athletics Jim Givens. "That's why putting together another high finish at 16th this year, out of nearly 300 schools, is so amazing. It takes an extraordinary amount of talent, commitment, and community support to maintain this level of success across all sports. I want to thank our student-athletes, coaching staffs, trainers, and the entire Findlay community for keeping us at the forefront of Division II athletics so that we can continue to achieve at a high level, providing a championship experience for our student-athletes."

In the fall iteration of the standings, the Oilers scored 75 points as both football and volleyball earned NCAA tournament bids.

The winter season saw a jump in the standings, up to 22nd in the country, with the big point scorers coming in the pool as both the men's and women's programs secured top-ten finishes. Track and field also earned significant points, namely the women's team which finished 17th at the national meet.

Findlay's biggest push came in the spring, vaulting the Oilers up six more spots. Men's golf, men's tennis, and softball each made trips to NCAA regional competitions while outdoor track & field, women's tennis, and women's golf advanced to national championships. 

Ashland University, which finished runner-up to Findlay in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) Presidents' Cup standings, finished 26th in the standings. Tiffin University finished 56th.

Every year since 1995, the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup has been awarded to the year's best athletic institution and with 304 schools vying for position, a top finish requires success across all competing teams. 

Past Learfield Cup Finishes
2025-26 - 16th
2024-25 - 10th
2023-24 - 21st
2022-23 - 26th
2021-22 - 18th
2020-21 - no standings (COVID-19)
2019-20 - no standings (COVID-19)
2018-19 - 42nd
2017-18 - 17th
2016-17 - 26th
2015-16 - 24th
2014-15 - 28th
2013-14 - 38th
2012-13 - 26th
2011-12 - 17th
2010-11 - 41st
2009-10 - 35th
2008-09 - 19th
2007-08 - 55th
2006-07 - 62nd
2005-06 - 88th
2004-05 - 60th
2003-04 - 44th