Luther College will join the Midwest Conference starting in the 2026-27 academic year, expanding the NCAA Division III league to 10 core members, the conference announced on Tuesday.
The addition strengthens the MWC’s regional presence, with three Iowa schools (Luther, Cornell, Grinnell), four in Illinois (Illinois College, Knox, Lake Forest, Monmouth), and three in Wisconsin (Beloit, Lawrence, Ripon).
“While other leagues in our region are primarily state identified, we truly are the DIII athletic conference of the Midwest,” said Executive Director Heather Benning.
“When the league was formed 104 years ago, the intent was to establish an interstate athletic union of like-minded institutions; what binds our schools isn’t necessarily geographic proximity but rather a shared vision of the role of athletics in the undergraduate experience.”
Luther, transitioning from the American Rivers Conference, sponsors all 18 MWC sports and boasts 29 individual national champions, 355 All-America honors, 43 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships, and 73 Academic All-America awards.
“Luther College is a proud Iowa college with a regional presence and a national reputation,” said Luther President Brad Chamberlain. “At Luther, athletics is about community, character, and competition. In the Midwest Conference, Luther finds partner institutions that share our philosophy towards athletics and that match the geographical diversity of our student body.
“Luther was honored to receive an invitation from the Midwest Conference, and we look forward to joining the league in 2026.”
Knox College and Monmouth College expressed enthusiasm for Luther’s arrival.
“We’re excited to welcome Luther College to the Midwest Conference,” said Justin Newell, Knox College director of athletics. “As a fellow member of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM), Luther’s commitment to academic and athletic excellence aligns closely with the direction and values of Knox College and Prairie Fire Athletics.
“We look forward to working together within our shared community to provide a competitive and meaningful student-athlete experience.”
Roger Haynes, Monmouth College director of athletics, added, “Luther has a great tradition of strong athletics and academics. They will be another great partner for Monmouth College and the Midwest Conference. We look forward to welcoming the Norse and their fans to the Maple City in 2026.”
Founded in 1921, the MWC’s charter members included Beloit, Carleton, Coe, Cornell, Knox, and Lawrence. Over the years, schools like Monmouth (joined 1924), Grinnell (1940), and Lake Forest (1974) solidified the league. Luther’s addition enhances the conference’s academic and athletic synergy, with eight of 10 members also part of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) consortium.
