Utah Athletes Smash Academic Record with 3.44 GPA

Student-athletes at the University of Utah just proved that excellence knows no boundaries. The athletic department shattered its academic record with a combined grade-point average of 3.441 for the 2025-26 academic year, surpassing the previous record of 3.407 set five years earlier.

This marks the 40th consecutive semester that Utah's athletic department has maintained a GPA above 3.00. The spring 2026 semester average of 3.465 ranks second all-time in university history, paired with a fall 2025 GPA of 3.418 that sits fourth on the all-time list.

Individual achievements tell an even more inspiring story. Fifty-eight student-athletes earned perfect 4.00 GPAs, while 222 made the Dean's List with averages of 3.50 or better.

The women's cross-country team led all sports with a stunning 3.749 GPA while also finishing in the top 20 at NCAA Championships for the fifth straight year. The men's ski team, fresh off winning a national championship, posted a 3.737 GPA for their 12th consecutive semester leading the men's programs.

The accomplishments extend beyond individual seasons. The women's gymnastics program, which won the Big 12 championship, has now maintained a team GPA above 3.00 for 62 straight semesters.

The Ripple Effect

This academic success story comes while Utah athletes compete at elite levels across all sports. The university celebrated one national championship, four conference titles, and seven teams qualifying for NCAA Championships or bowl games this year.

The long-term impact shows in the numbers too. According to the NCAA's most recent Graduation Success Rate, 95% of Utah student-athletes graduated within six years of enrolling. That ties the highest mark in department history and marks the eighth consecutive year the university has met or exceeded the 93% benchmark.

Athletics Director Mark Harlan credited the culture of excellence created by coaches, staff, academic services teams, and campus partners. The football program posted its highest GPA since spring 2020 at 3.359, while both men's skiing and baseball set program records.

These young people are building futures that extend far beyond their playing days, armed with both competitive excellence and the academic credentials to succeed in any field they choose.