Like Dr. Chuck said, there was GA So. 85-86, 89-90, App State, then James Mad, then N.Dak St.
Yes, some schools could compete, but primarily in smaller/weaker conferences...UCF ring a bell. Drop them in the SEC and see.
For argument sake/to ask the same thing. What about NAIA schools competing?
They give 90% scholarships out but sometimes to non-traditional students or former pros.
I went to school with 2 guys drafted into the MLB, who got injured and they came to my school and that team won the national title.
Life Univ had non-traditional athletes who received scholarships and dominated the rugby and basketball arena 1999-2001
Belmont & Georgetown (Basketball) -- Belmont showed what they could do a few yrs back in NCAA tourney.
Lewis & Clark / Cumberland Univ (Baseball) -- Beat up on D-1 schools 1990-2017 ... won National Titles
Grand View (Wrestling) -- Would be hard to beat Iowa/Minn, but with 5 straight titles would fair well against others.
Life University (Rugby) -- Recruited #4 player in the world at his position in 2005, would kill NCAA college rugby.
Oklahoma City and now Coastal Community College (Golf) --- these guys have one of the best coaches and facility in the country (Sea Is.,GA), what kid would not want to go there?