Here’s a brief rundown on what we know so far and what’s next about UWF’s transition to the highest level of college athletics.
Why did UWF decide to go Division I?
According to president Manny Diaz, the university wanted to find a place with schools more aligned with its goals than the Gulf South Conference.
“I think there were just a lot of pieces that fell into place when we’re trying to solve a conference issue for our athletic program,” Diaz said. “The growth of the institution and being in a place with our peers and aspirants, the conference didn’t look like what we look liked and it didn’t look like the direction we were going.”
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., right, listens as Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott, right, talks about the University of West Florida transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Former UWF president Judith Ann Bense stands to be recognized as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott, left, talks about the University of West Florida transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Former UWF president Judith Ann Bense, third from left, and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
“Flash” Gordon Sprague, top right, signs a donation check on the back of UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., as the University of West Florida announces its transition to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
“Flash” Gordon Sprague, top right, hands a donation check to UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., as the University of West Florida announces its transition to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott talks about the University of West Florida transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Former UWF president Judith Ann Bense, second from right, and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Guests listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott talks about the University of West Florida transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Guests listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., right, listens as Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
From left, UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon, and associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott field questions from the media after announcing the transition to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Guests listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Former UWF president Judith Ann Bense stands to be recognized as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., right, listens as Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott, right, talks about the University of West Florida transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Former UWF president Judith Ann Bense stands to be recognized as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott, left, talks about the University of West Florida transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Former UWF president Judith Ann Bense, third from left, and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
“Flash” Gordon Sprague, top right, signs a donation check on the back of UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., as the University of West Florida announces its transition to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
“Flash” Gordon Sprague, top right, hands a donation check to UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., as the University of West Florida announces its transition to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott talks about the University of West Florida transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Former UWF president Judith Ann Bense, second from right, and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Guests listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott talks about the University of West Florida transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Guests listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., right, listens as Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
From left, UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon, and associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott field questions from the media after announcing the transition to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Guests listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Former UWF president Judith Ann Bense stands to be recognized as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
The GSC has just four members playing football, a sport UWF has been tremendously successful in since its inaugural season in 2016. The programwon a national championship in 2019and has made six NCAA playoff appearances. A small conference and tremendous success in such a short time means the Argos were struggling to find non-conference opponents in recent seasons. The program had to travel to Michigan in 2024 and Oklahoma in 2025 for non-conference games.
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The UAC will have seven other teams, meaning the Argos will have an easier time putting together a schedule. The university will also be the third largest institution in both its new conferences, according to athletic director David Scott.
UWF is far and away the biggest school in the GSC, with 15,601 students enrolled for the fall 2025 semester. Valdosta State is the only other school in the conference with an enrollment over 10,000.
What is the process to become a Division I school?
UWF will officially apply for Division I membership June 1, and there's a $2 million application fee.
The school’s athletic programs will then go through a required three-year transitionary period, which means they’ll be eligible for conference championships but not NCAA championships. The school will be a full-fledged Division I member in 2029-30.
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This means that for its first three years in Division I, UWF won’t be able to participate in the FCS football championship or NCAA championships in other sports.
What are the differences between Division II and Division I?
The main difference is the distribution of scholarships. Division I athletes can have full scholarships, while Division II athletes receive partial scholarships. Both levels are under what the NCAA calls the equivalency system, meaning they can distribute scholarships how they would like among student athletes.
However, Division I schools have more scholarships to award. or example, FCS football programs can give out 63 scholarships, while NCAA Division II football can give out 36,according to the NCSA.
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Division I operating budgets also tend to be significantly higher due to increased scholarships, coaching salaries, and bigger and better facilities.
Why is UWF competing in two different conferences?
UWF football is in the UAC because the ASUN doesn’t sponsor football.
However, effective July 1, the two conferences will form a consortium, an alliance that allows them to operate as separate conferences but collaborate on things like scheduling and share certain operational efficiencies.
What schools will UWF be playing in the ASUN and UAC?
UWF fits in the footprint of both conferences, with the potential to create new rivalries and reignite some old ones.
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In football, West Florida will clash with Abilene Christian, Austin Peay, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, North Alabama, Tarleton State and West Georgia. Central Arkansas, North Alabama and West Georgia all used to be part of the GSC.
The University of West Florida is moving its athletic programs from NCAA Division II to Division I. UWF's football team will join the United Athletic Conference.
The United Athletic Conference is the third best conference in the FCS, according to UAC executive director Jeff Bacon. Tarleton State and Abilene Christian were both top 10 seeds in the NCAA Division I playoffs, checking in at No. 4 and No. 10, respectively.
In the ASUN, Bellarmine, Florida Gulf Coast, Jacksonville, Lipscomb, North Florida, Queens University and Stetson are all full members. Bellarmine, Lipscomb and Queens are the only full member institutions not in Florida.
The University of West Florida is moving its athletic programs from NCAA Division II to Division I. All sports, except for UWF football, will compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
Other affiliate members for sports UWF competes in are Delaware, Gardner-Webb, Georgia Southern, Old Dominion UNC-Asheville and University of Arkansas Little Rock for women’s swimming and diving and University of Texas at Arlington for men’s tennis.
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How will the move be financed?
Diaz announced on April 2 that former UWF president Judy Bense and booster Flash “Gordon” Sprague will chair the school’s Division I Run committee, which will raise money for the application fee and other expenses associated with the move.
The school also broke ground on a $50 million renovation to the school’s football stadium in February,borrowing $20 million from the UWF foundationto finish construction. The project, which will turn Pen Air Fieldinto Darrell Gooden Stadium, is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2027. It will double the facilities capacity from 3,800 to 7,500 permanent seats and add premium seating, club areas and suites.
Both will a big component in “starting the revenue engine” to fund the move, Diaz said.
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“There’s a lot of new donor interests, a lot of corporate donations,” Diaz said. “And the stadium obviously helps with that because we’re just going to have a place to have those donors participate.”
