Snow College, a real force in junior college football, has announced it’ll join the Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC) starting in the fall of 2026.
This is a big shift for Snow, which has played as an NJCAA Division I Football Independent since 2019.
The move is expected to open new doors—and, let’s be honest, some tough challenges—for the Badgers. They’ll be facing off against some of the top juco football programs in the country now.
The Significance of Joining the SWJCFC
Snow College’s entry into the SWJCFC shows a clear commitment to both academics and athletics.
The SWJCFC, around since 1963, has built a reputation for tough football and a history of NJCAA success. By joining, Snow hopes to boost its program’s visibility and give student-athletes more regular, high-level competition.
Why the Move Now?
After the Western States Football League (WSFL) dissolved in 2018, Snow College has honestly struggled to fill out its schedule as an independent.
Head Coach Zac Erekson said the hardest part has been just finding NJCAA teams willing to play. Joining the SWJCFC finally solves that problem and gives the Badgers a steady, competitive slate of games.
What This Means for Snow College
Now, Snow College joins Region 14. That means matchups against teams like Blinn College, Cisco College, Kilgore College, Navarro College, New Mexico Military Institute, Trinity Valley Community College, and Tyler Junior College.
This should spark some new rivalries—and maybe heat up old ones, especially with New Mexico Military Institute, which is basically right next door compared to the Texas schools.
Competitive Edge and Historical Context
Snow hasn’t played most of these teams very often—just four of the current eight since 2011.
But when they have, they’ve done well, especially against New Mexico Military Institute, where they hold a 7-2 record. That bodes well for their chances in the SWJCFC, though there’s always a bit of unpredictability in sports.
Implications for the SWJCFC
Adding Snow College is generally seen as a win for the SWJCFC. Dr. Kevin G. Fegan, President of Navarro College and the SWJCFC, said Snow’s arrival makes the league stronger and fits with the values of the other schools.
The conference has a proud tradition, and with Snow in the mix, the competition should only get tougher.
Conference Dynamics
The SWJCFC runs its own conference tournament every year. Since 2016, five different teams have won the title.
They’ve also sent a team to the NJCAA National Playoff in three of the last four years. With Snow College joining, the level of play in the conference could get even higher—at least, that’s the hope.
Looking Ahead
As Snow College gets ready for life in the SWJCFC, they’ll be focusing on building relationships with the Texas schools and raising the profile of NJCAA football.
The conference schedule will have seven games. The Badgers are looking at as many as four home games and three on the road each season.
The 2026 conference schedule should drop later this month, so we’ll know more soon about what’s coming for Snow College.
Leadership and Vision
President Stacee McIff and Athletic Director Karen Johnson have played a big role in making this move happen. Their guidance and support have been huge for Snow College’s football program.
They’re aiming to respect the tradition of Badger football, but also want to set the team up for future wins. The switch to the SWJCFC feels like a real step forward.
If you want to dig deeper into why Snow College is joining the SWJCFC, check out the full announcement on the official Snow College athletics website.
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