Beaver Stadium, The Horseshoe, The Big House, and now Mangelsdorf Field, the Big Ten conference came calling, and the Cougar football program answered.
The University’s football team will make the massive leap from Division III to Division I in fall, 2026, and will play in the same conference that includes football powerhouses Penn State, Michigan and Ohio State.
Cougar football made a huge leap this season, turning a 3-7 season in 2024 into a 7-4 2025 campaign. The Big Ten conference took notice and extended the offer to Misericordia to join, and the University immediately accepted, according to Misericordia Assistant to the Athletic Director Dwight K. Smoot.
“Obviously it was a no brainer. With just the revenue sharing projections from next year, we can fully fund the implementation of AI professors. In addition, we project being able to fund a new 100,000 capacity football stadium,” Smoot said.
Big Ten Press Secretary John Splicer said he believes Misericordia is a natural fit with the Big Ten.
“Misericordia has shown tremendous progress over the past year. With the fertile recruiting ground in Pennsylvania and Ohio, the Big Ten feels Misericordia will be able to quickly build up the talent required to compete against the nation’s elite football programs,” Splicer said.
This upgrade comes as the Cougars will lose one its best players yet. Quarterback Marvin Simmons has announced his decision to transfer to Notre Dame.
Simmons has accepted a scholarship to play football at the University of Notre Dame, becoming the first Misericordia football player to earn a Division I scholarship.
Simmons, a junior quarterback, has been a key leader for the Cougars offense and helped elevate the program with his production and leadership on and off the field. His strong arm, fast legs and poised decision making drew offers from multiple schools, including Penn State and Ohio State, but it was the chance to be the starting quarterback at Notre Dame that intrigued Simmons the most.
“This is an extraordinary achievement and a proud moment for Misericordia University,” Head Coach Sam Cusher said. “Marvin’s work ethic and competitiveness helped set a new standard for our program. We’re excited to watch him take the next step at one of the most respected programs and universities in college football. Marvin will get great coaching on the field, and a great education in the classroom.”
Simmons said his time at Misericordia prepared him for the opportunity.
“I’m grateful for my coaches, teammates and the Misericordia community for believing in me and helping me develop into the player and student I am today. This would not have been possible without them. Playing at Notre Dame is a dream, and I’m ready to represent Misericordia proudly,” Simmons said.