From overlooked underdog to football’s biggest stage, Delaware is ready for its moment.
For years, Delaware football has carried a reputation as a proud but overlooked program. Some mocked the small state with the old “Dela-where?” punchline. But in 2025, there’s no mistaking it anymore: the Blue Hens are stepping onto the national stage. Delaware has officially joined the Football Bowl Subdivision, becoming the 135th FBS team as a new member of Conference USA.
The move comes after decades of tradition in Division I-AA and later FCS, where Delaware earned respect with an FCS title in 2003 and NFL names like Rich Gannon and Joe Flacco. But three factors pushed Delaware to take this leap.
First, longtime rivals like James Madison and Appalachian State had already found success in FBS, leaving Delaware behind. Second, financial realities at the FCS level made survival tougher, with the NCAA tightening rules for future moves. Finally, Delaware fans and leadership agreed it was time to embrace bigger opponents and bigger stages.
The Blue Hens open their FBS era on Aug. 28 against Delaware State, and the excitement is real. With 24,000 students and a revitalized recruiting pipeline, Delaware isn’t just moving up, it’s out to prove it belongs.
For Delaware, this is more than football. It’s about state pride, rewriting perceptions, and showing the college sports world exactly where “Dela-where” is.
MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:
- Why Jeremiah Smith sees Julian Sayin as ideal replacement for Will Howard at QB for Ohio State
- Northwestern, Pat Fitzgerald reach settlement in wrongful termination case
- South Carolina makes major announcement before college football season
- Malachi Nelson named UTEP’s starting QB after tumultuous journey
- National Championship contenders: Ten CFB programs ready to seize the crown