UWF Announces Move To NCAA Division I Athletics

April 2, 2026

The University of West Florida announced in a press conference on Thursday morning that it will be transitioning its athletics programs to the NCAA Division I level. Beginning in Fall 2026, UWF will compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference as a full multi-sport member and the United Athletic Conference as a football-playing member.

“Our transition to Division I marks a historic step forward for UWF and reflects the momentum, ambition and excellence that define our community,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “This milestone is about more than athletics — it represents expanded opportunities for our students, greater national visibility, and a continued commitment to providing an outstanding educational experience. I am proud of the work that has brought us to this moment and excited for the future we are building together.”

The Argonauts Athletics program has a proven record of excellence competing at the NCAA Division II level, leading the Gulf South Conference in all-time championships and all-sports trophies. The University’s 15 varsity programs have earned 11 national and 136 conference championships while competing at the NCAA Division II level. Beyond athletic success, the program fosters leadership and academic achievement, with a cumulative Spring 2025 student-athlete GPA of 3.37.

“This transition represents the next chapter in the evolution of our athletics program and a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and supporters,” said Dave Scott, UWF Athletic Director. “As we prepare for Division I competition, we remain focused on building champions for life. We look forward to growing our tradition of success and welcoming our fans and partners to be part of this exciting journey.”

The Atlantic Sun Conference was founded in 1978 and is an NCAA Division I conference composed of eight institutions across the southeastern United States, including universities like Florida Gulf Coast University, University of North Florida and Lipscomb University.

The United Athletic Conference was established in 2023 as a single-sport football conference through a partnership between the ASUN and the Western Athletic Conference, which will expand to a full multi-sport conference and rebrand as the UAC on July 1, 2026.

The ASUN and the WAC (UAC) announced the formation of a strategic consortium beginning July 1, 2026. The alliance will support collaborative scheduling, shared operational efficiencies and expanded competition opportunities while maintaining independent conference structures and automatic qualification to NCAA Championships.

“This addition not only strengthens both conferences, but represents yet another growth milestone for the alliance between these two leagues,” said consortium Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bacon. “Since announcing our plans nearly a year ago, the excitement around what we will unveil on July 1 has been overwhelming, and with UWF on board, we have added significant fuel to the fire. Thank you to President Diaz and Director Scott for their tireless work to bring this moment to fruition. I am honored to welcome them to The Destination!”

During the three-year NCAA reclassification process, UWF athletics teams will compete at the Division I level but will not be eligible for NCAA postseason tournaments. However, they will be eligible to compete for ASUN and UAC conference championships. Full NCAA postseason eligibility will begin once the transition process is complete in 2029.

The transition to Division I aligns with the University’s continued growth in enrollment, research activity and regional engagement. The move will increase the institution’s visibility and expand opportunities for student recruitment while contributing to the overall campus experience.

By fiscal year 2027-2028, with the new Darrell Gooden Stadium fully operational and Division I competition underway, UWF Athletics is expected to see increases in game day attendance and expanded operational needs, including staffing, security, concessions and event management. According to an analysis conducted by the UWF Haas Center, UWF Athletics is projected to generate approximately $42 million in economic impact and support an estimated 280 jobs across the region.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Sports, TOP STORIES, TOP sports