The university and all of its intercollegiate sports teams compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) within the NCAA Division II.

IUP originally dubbed its sports teams the "Indians", in reference to the town and school's name, and used a costumed student as a mascot.

[4] Suggestions following the NCAA ruling included hellbenders, "Ridge runners", and mining-related nicknames, all relevant to the university's location in Western Pennsylvania.

[5] In December 2006, the Council of Trustees adopted the "Crimson Hawk"[6] The mascot was introduced during the 2007 season-opening football game against Cheyney.

In 2007, Dr. David Martynuik, director of the marching band, composed "Crimson Xpress", the new fight song that would replace "Cherokee" and would bring in a whole new era to IUP athletics.

Beginning in 1999, a construction project for a university convocation center was authorized by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge.

In 2010, Joe Lombardi was named the Basketball Times Division II Coach of the Year, following the team's finish as national runner-up.

In 2012, under Curt Cignetti, the Crimson Hawks earned the PSAC title and another appearance in the NCAA Division II National Football Championship.

The IUP Women's basketball team won the Atlantic Regional Championships Elite Eight Division II in March 2018.

[28] In the 2010–2011 season, the women's tennis team defeated Slippery Rock placing 2nd in their division just behind California University of Pennsylvania.