HACKENSACK, N.J. — FDU is suiting up another squad. The Knights are launching a men's NCAA fencing team — the first program to do so since the House v. NCAA decision — marking a milestone moment for the sport and for student-athletes seeking new pathways to compete at the Division I collegiate level level. The men's team is slated to begin competition in the 2027-28 school year.
 
Based in Teaneck, N.J., FDU is a Division I institution and member of the NEC. Until now, FDU sponsored a women's varsity fencing team; adding a men's team doubles the impact of FDU's fencing program.
 
With the addition, FDU will become the 36th NCAA men's fencing program (list here). (There are 45 NCAA women's programs as well, list here.)
 
FDU is currently home to 390 Division I athletes and 21 varsity athletic programs. Men's fencing will be the Knights' 22nd varsity program and 10th on the men's side.
 
"This announcement reflects our continued commitment to expanding educational opportunities through sport for our students. Our women's program already has a proud championship tradition, as evidenced by National Championships, Olympians and All-Americans.  We could not be more excited to build upon this legacy with the addition of a men's program," said Bradford Hurlbut, FDU Senior Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics. "We are grateful to USA Fencing for their partnership. The New York Metropolitan area offers a breadth of fencing clubs; we look forward to being even more a part of that community."
 
Brad Suchorski, USA Fencing's director of member services and growth, applauded the news as a smart, student-centered step.
 
"Expanding NCAA fencing opportunities matters — especially in this moment of change," Suchorski says. "When universities add roster spots, they grow access, community and support for a sport that blends precision, respect and resilience. FDU's decision shows confidence in the future of college fencing and the student-athletes who make it special."
 
The timing resonates across college sports. With the House v. NCAA settlement approved on June 6, 2025, schools are recalibrating how best to support student-athletes while staying true to their institutional values. In that climate, adding opportunities in Olympic and emerging sports sends a clear signal that access and competitive balance still matter.
 
For fencers, families and fans, the Knights' move means more chances to don school colors, earn a degree and test their skills on the national stage — exactly the sort of win-win the collegiate model is built to deliver. And for fencing at large, it's a welcome jolt of momentum in a season of change.

About FDU Athletics
The Knights are home to 21 NCAA Division I teams. A member of the Northeast Conference, FDU has had tremendous success in the classroom, in athletic competition and giving back to the Bergen County community. Since 2019, the Burgundy and Blue have captured 25 Northeast Conference championships. In 2020, 2024, and 2025, FDU student-athletes were recognized for their efforts in the community by winning the NEC Building Communities Award with over 3,000 community service hours. Other recent milestones include men's basketball capturing two wins in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, culminating with a historic upset over top-ranked Purdue. Women's basketball captured their first NEC Championship in 2025 by going undefeated in conference play on their way to the NCAA Tournament. In addition to recent championships, FDU also holds two NCAA National Championships in the sport of women's bowling (2006, 2010).