The Citadel is one of only two Division I schools that do not sponsor women's basketball; the other is fellow Southern Conference member and senior military college VMI.

A member of the Southern Conference, The Citadel sponsors teams in nine men's and seven women's NCAA sanctioned sports.

The 1990 team advanced to the College World Series, becoming the first military school to do so; they finished with a record of 46–14 and were ranked sixth in the final Collegiate Baseball poll that season.

The Bulldogs have appeared in the FCS Playoffs five times, advancing to the second round in 1992 before losing to eventual runner-up Youngstown State.

The current Head Coach is Brent Thompson who has compiled a record of 15–7 including an 11–5 mark and one Conference Championship in his two season.

Wide receiver Andre Roberts of the Bills and cornerback Cortez Allen of Pittsburgh are currently active.

The stadium is undergoing a long-term renovation and rebuilding, which includes the Altman Athletic Center, completed in 2001, and the rebuilt west stands, 2006 and club tower, 2008.

The Citadel owns College Park and has considered a number of future uses for it, including a stadium for the women's soccer team and a tennis complex.

The basketball, wrestling, and volleyball teams use McAlister Field House, a 6,000-seat facility on campus for games and practices.

The women's soccer team practices and plays on WLI Field, located on campus to the west of the mess hall and Indian Hill.

The rifle team uses the Inouye Marksmanship Center, which is situated behind WLI field on the banks of the Ashley River.

While The Citadel has played VMI in many sports for decades, the rivalry has only developed since the creation of the Silver Shako trophy for football in 1976.