11 Jun 2025 Harding places 25th in NACDA Directors’ Cup standings 

SEARCY – Harding University’s athletic department concluded a remarkable 2024-25 academic year by securing a 25th-place finish among over 300 institutions in the prestigious NACDA DII Learfield Directors’ Cup Standings. This marks the Bisons’ second consecutive year in the top 25 and their third straight in the top 50, showcasing consistent national athletic prominence.

Harding accumulated 500.50 points, the program’s second-highest total, trailing only its 597.50 points and 16th-place finish in 2024. Notably, no other Great American Conference (GAC) school finished in the top 70, highlighting Harding’s exceptional standing within its league.

The Director’s Cup, presented by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and Learfield, recognizes institutions that maintain a broad-based athletic program, achieving success across multiple men’s and women’s sports. Points are awarded based on institutions’ finishes in NCAA Championship competitions.

Harding’s strong performance began in the fall with 70 points earned by the football team for their deep run to the Super Region 3 finals.

The winter season saw both Harding basketball teams contribute 25 points each by reaching their respective Central Region Tournaments. Additionally, the men’s track and field team added a significant 67.5 points with a 10th-place finish at the indoor national championships.

The spring slate proved to be the most fruitful, with seven sports contributing a combined 313 points to the university’s total. Baseball earned 50 points by reaching the Central Region final. Both the women’s golf team (35 points) and the men’s golf team (51 points) qualified for their regional tournaments. Softball also added 25 points with its regional tournament berth. Men’s tennis secured 50 points for reaching the Central Regional semifinal. Capping off the year, women’s track and field scored 29 points with a 45th-place finish at outdoor nationals, while the men’s track and field program contributed a substantial 75 points by placing fifth at the outdoor national championships.

This three-year streak of top-50 finishes is a testament to the program’s sustained excellence. The only other time Harding achieved this feat was from 2004-2007, when the Bisons recorded four consecutive top-50 placements.