The Richmond Spiders, an Football Championship Subdivision perennial Playoff power, has made a stunning announcement that it will exit the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) following the 2024 season.
The Spiders, who won the 2008 FCS national championship and advanced to at least the Second Round of the FCS Playoffs nine times since 2005, are jettisoning the CAA to align themselves with the Patriot League beginning with the 2025 season, both the school and the Patriot League announced Tuesday.
"We are elated to welcome the University of Richmond as our eighth football member" Patriot League Commissioner Jennifer Heppel said in the league's statement. "Richmond's consistent success on the field has made them a premier program in the FCS and their addition positions the League for continued competitive success at the national level.
"Beyond their on-field excellence, our shared commitment to prioritizing highly competitive academic and athletic experiences makes them an ideal institutional partner for the Patriot League."
Coached by veteran Russ Huesman, who has restored the Spiders after turning around Chattanooga, Richmond opens its 2024 campaign Aug. 31 at Virginia. It also has non-conference tilts against FCS Southern Conference program Wofford, as well as Charleston Southern and Delaware State before transitioning into its final season of play in the CAA.
The Spiders open league play Sept. 28 at Elon.