Northeastern State University is planning the largest expansion of its athletics department in school history, adding seven varsity teams over the next two years.

Men’s and women’s wrestling, along with volleyball, will debut as varsity sports in the 2026–27 academic year.

Men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field, as well as men’s and women’s cross country, will be added for the 2027–28 academic year.

Previously, in March 2025, the department announced the revival of its men’s tennis program following a 24-year absence, and it is already set for competition for the upcoming fall season.

In total, NSU will have ten additional programs eligible for national championship opportunities for student-athletes.

The addition of wrestling and volleyball is expected to bring more than 100 new student-athletes to NSU campuses by fall 2026. With Tahlequah and Broken Arrow set to host competitions, the region is projected to benefit from roughly 20 additional athletic events annually.

“Once our expansion is complete, we look to have over 300 new student-athletes on our campus,” Director of Athletics John Sisemore said. “Working with Northeastern State University President Dr. Rodney Hanley and the NSU cabinet members, we knew this would be great for the future of NSU and huge for Tahlequah. There will be an immediate impact on the local economy with the addition of these programs, which will bring thousands of annual spectators and families to the area.”

“For years, local high school student-athletes in these sports had to attend other regional universities, and now they will be able to choose Northeastern State and [we can] keep those talents close to home. There has been tremendous positive feedback for the addition of these programs, with the local popularity of wrestling, especially the rapid growth of women’s wrestling, it would not be a surprise to see that sport competing at the NCAA Division I level soon.”

The university will immediately start a nationwide search for its wrestling and volleyball head coaches to build a competitive roster to begin play by the fall of 2026.

Track and field was previously sponsored at NSU until the 1990s, and volleyball was fielded in the late 1970s.

Once all new teams are in place, NSU’s total number of varsity sports will increase to 18.