Lackawanna College Makes Power Move: JUCO Powerhouse Joins NCAA Division II and the PSAC

In a groundbreaking shift that could realign the dynamics of Division II football, Lackawanna College — long known as one of the top junior college football programs in the country — is leaping from JUCO status to join the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) as a full NCAA Division II member in football.

This transition marks a significant turning point not just for Lackawanna but for the entire PSAC. This historically competitive Division 2 conference already features perennial powerhouses such as IUP, Kutztown, Slippery Rock, Shepherd, and California (PA). The addition of a JUCO-built program with a national brand, strong recruiting pipeline, and deep talent history may disrupt the current balance of power across the conference.

The History of a JUCO Giant

Founded in 1993, the Lackawanna Falcons football program has quickly ascended into national prominence in the junior college ranks. Under long-time head coach Mark Duda, a former NFL defensive lineman, the Falcons built a reputation as a hard-nosed, talent-rich team that routinely developed Division I-caliber athletes.

Highlights of their JUCO era include:

• Multiple NJCAA playoff appearances
• A berth in the 2019 NJCAA National Championship game
• Over 500 players sent to 4-year schools, including Power Five programs like Penn State, Miami, Tennessee, and West Virginia
• A coaching staff known for elite player development, academic support, and readiness for the next level

Lackawanna wasn’t just competitive — they were dominant. Their transition to Division II doesn’t come from a place of rebuilding, but rather from a foundation of excellence. Moving up to NCAA Division II — especially in a football-rich state like Pennsylvania — positions Lackawanna to offer four-year degrees, provide longer development time for players, and compete at a higher academic and athletic level.

In the PSAC, they’ll now have the opportunity to:

• Offer athletes four full years of eligibility and continuity
• Compete for conference championships and national D2 playoff berths
• Retain players longer, improving roster depth and consistency
• Expand recruiting reach with the appeal of NCAA branding

A Disruption to the PSAC Status Quo

Make no mistake: Lackawanna isn’t entering the PSAC quietly.

They’re bringing:

• A championship pedigree
• A pipeline of under-recruited, high-upside athletes
• A coaching staff with decades of experience and professional development acumen
• Facilities and infrastructure that rival many D2 programs

Many coaches in the PSAC are undoubtedly watching this transition with cautious respect. While traditional D2 schools recruit mostly high school seniors, Lackawanna already has ties to national JUCO and prep programs, meaning they may be able to stock their roster with overlooked and bounce-back talent that elevates their competitiveness almost immediately. This move could serve as a blueprint for other successful JUCO programs seeking longevity, improved athlete outcomes, and institutional growth. It also raises the stakes for the PSAC: adding a battle-tested program like Lackawanna might elevate the overall quality of play while introducing a wild-card competitor that has everything to gain and nothing to lose. If Lackawanna finds early success, don’t be surprised to see other JUCOs exploring the NCAA route — and don’t be shocked if the PSAC suddenly becomes a national storyline in the D2 playoff picture.

Lackawanna College’s move to the PSAC is more than a promotion — it’s a message. The Falcons are no longer content dominating at the JUCO level. They’re here to challenge the status quo, shake up Division II football, and prove that their program can not only survive—but thrive—on a bigger stage.

The PSAC has a new contender. And they’re coming fast.

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