University of West Florida Announces Move to Division I

UWF Athletics to join ASUN and UAC conferences starting in 2027 season.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:04am

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The University of West Florida has announced that it will be transitioning its athletics program to Division I, marking a historic step forward for the university. UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. and ASUN-UAC Consortium CEO Jeff Bacon signed an agreement for UWF Athletics to join the ASUN and UAC conferences starting in the 2027 season.

Why it matters

The move to Division I will raise the profile of UWF Athletics and provide new opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the highest level of collegiate sports. It also reflects the overall growth and ambition of the university, which has been steadily expanding its academic and research programs in recent years.

The details

UWF's transition to Division I will involve upgrading its athletic facilities, recruiting top talent, and meeting the NCAA's strict requirements for Division I membership. The university will compete in the ASUN Conference for most sports and the UAC (Unified Athletic Conference) for football.

  • UWF announced the move to Division I on April 2, 2026.
  • The transition will be completed in time for the 2027 athletic season.

The players

Manny Diaz Jr.

The president of the University of West Florida.

Jeff Bacon

The CEO of the ASUN-UAC Consortium, which UWF will be joining.

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What they’re saying

“Our transition to Division I marks a historic step forward for UWF and reflects the momentum, ambition and excellence that define our community.”

— Manny Diaz Jr., President, University of West Florida

What’s next

UWF will now work to upgrade its athletic facilities and recruit top talent in preparation for its first Division I season in 2027.

The takeaway

The University of West Florida's move to Division I athletics is a significant milestone that will raise the school's profile, provide new opportunities for student-athletes, and reflect the institution's overall growth and ambition.