Mount Mercy University to Add Football, Beginning in 2026 Season

The Heart of America Athletic Conference is pleased to hear the announcement from full member Mount Mercy University regarding the additional of football to its list of athletic programs in the fall of 2026. 

The addition of Mount Mercy football into the Heart of America Athletic Conference brings the total number of football programs to 15.

"Athletics are very important to the health of our campus, as they are for many small private colleges," said Todd A. Olson, Mount Mercy University president. "Adding football will not only allow us to increase enrollment, but will also enrich the vibrancy of our student experience and provide more opportunities to bring alumni and community members to our campus."

The Heart will continue to serve as the largest football conference in the NAIA.

The Heart divisional structure is currently as follows:

2024 Heart North Division:

Grand View University
William Penn University
Peru State College
St. Ambrose University
Graceland University
Culver-Stockton College
Clarke University 

2024 Heart South Division

Baker University
Benedictine College
William Woods University
Central Methodist University
Missouri Valley College
Missouri Baptist University
MidAmerica Nazarene University

"We are excited to welcome Mount Mercy University's football program into the Heart of America Athletic Conference starting in the 2026 season," said Nik Rule, Commissioner of the Heart of America Athletic Conference. "This addition reflects the continued growth and strength of the Heart as the largest football conference in the NAIA. We look forward to seeing the impact that Mount Mercy football will have, not only on the competition field but also in enhancing student engagement, community spirit, and alumni involvement, all which make the conference better. We are proud to support their efforts and are eager to see the new energy this will bring to our conference."