On Monday, I published a look into how the operating budgets of NCAA Divisions II and III are determined by a percentage of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament and whether DII and DIII are treated with equity.

The information in the piece wasn’t necessarily a surprise to anyone that follows a Non-DI team. Responses to the story have ranged from the numbers confirming their beliefs to a skepticism that DI schools will allow the lower divisions a greater percentage of the income in the future.

These responses are completely understandable, and the skepticism is valid. However, everything will remain the same if everyone accepts the status quo. 

And the status quo sucks.

Division I had over $5.9 million on average to spend on its 26 championship events, while DII had roughly $1.28 million per its 25 championships, and DIII was allotted a measly $943,000 per its 28 championships. 

The money for an NCAA championship event is spent on travel, hotels, and food for each school’s traveling party. 

No one is asking for the NCAA to spend the same amount for each championship in Divisions II and III, but this isn’t even close to treating the athletes in the lower divisions equitably in comparison to their DI brethren.

Another $5.5 million could be added to DII and DIII’s budgets if the members of NCAA DI would allot an extra 0.5 percent of revenue. I’m not naive, and I understand the DI members have no reason or desire to give any more of their money to the lower divisions.

So, what can we do? We can highlight the treatment of DII and DIII athletes during NCAA championship events. Social bullying is a very effective method and can be used to help DII and DIII athletes receive better treatment during NCAA championship events. Take pictures and use your power to tell your story on social media. It won’t be easy or quick, but the only other option is accepting the status quo.

Southland Conference

• Houston Christian added another defensive lineman to its roster, with Jimmy Williams announcing his intention to transfer to the Huskies. Williams played in 10 games last season at Langston.
• UIW gained a 2024 commitment from athlete Keiran Patrick-Daniels, who announced his decision before beginning his senior season at Aledo. Daniels led the Bearcats in rushing with 1,385 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding 96 yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions.

Southwestern Athletic Conference

• Prairie View A&M added another defensive back to its secondary for the 2023 season with Keon Jones announcing he is transferring to play for the Panthers. The Spring native appeared in eight games for New Mexico Military Institute last year.

Lone Star Conference

• West Texas A&M gained commitments from two players last week. Defensive lineman Aaron House and offensive lineman Jackson Andrews are joining the Buffs after spending last year at El Camino College and Abilene Christian, respectively. WT also received a commitment from former Wichita Falls Hirschi wide receiver Bryan Waggoner.

American Southwest Conference

• Former Houston St. Pius X standout, Stanley Asiegbu, announced his commitment to transfer to Mary Hardin-Baylor after spending the last two seasons at DIII Cal Lutheran, as first reported by TrueToTheCru.com. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound tight end also held offers from FCS schools Campbell, Lamar, Tennessee State, Robert Morris, and Alabama State.

Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference

• The NCAA delayed implementing a new timing rule for Division III until at least 2024 after the DIII Management Council and multiple coaches raised concerns about player safety. The clock will continue to stop after first downs throughout the game in DIII this year, while it will only stop during the last two minutes of each half in Divisions I and II.

Southwestern Junior College Football Conference

• Blinn has added Kenyana Heard to its coaching staff. The former Midwestern State offensive lineman will coach running backs and tight ends for the Buccaneers. Heard spent last year as tight end coach at Butler Community College.
• Defensive back Donajz Dunn has transferred to Louisiana Tech after appearing in 10 games with two interceptions for Trinity Valley last season.