The University of West Florida is joining Division I and the FCS, beginning in 2026.
The Argonauts will play football in the United Athletic Conference, with its other sports participating in the ASUN. The addition grows the UAC to eight football members and the FCS to 128 members.
It is a strong addition to the conference and subdivision.
Located in Pensacola, Florida, UWF has been one of the top D2 football programs. And UWF is still quite young in its football history. The Argonauts played their first season in 2016 and quickly climbed the ranks, appearing in the 2017 national championship game and then winning the D2 national championship in 2019.
UWF Football Seasons:
- 2016: 5-6
- 2017: 11-4
- 2018: 6-5
- 2019: 13-2
- 2020: Did not play
- 2021: 9-2
- 2022: 12-2
- 2023: 8-4
- 2024: 7-3
- 2025: 10-2
UWF recently broke ground on stadium renovations:
The University of West Florida’s enrollment reached 15,601 for the Fall 2025 semester, a 5% year-over-year increase.
“Our transition to Division I marks a historic step forward for UWF and reflects the momentum, ambition, and excellence that define our community,” UWF President Manny Diaz Jr said. “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.”
UWF will be the fourth FCS program located in Florida — Bethune-Cookman (SWAC), Florida A&M (SWAC), and Stetson (Pioneer Football League).
It will pay a $2 million Division I entry fee and will undergo the 3-year DI transition period, where it won’t be eligible for NCAA postseason events, including the FCS playoffs.
“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,” UWF Athletic Director Dave Scott said. “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.”
UAC Football now includes Abilene Christian, Austin Peay, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, North Alabama, Tarleton State, West Florida, and West Georgia.
2026 West Florida UAC Football Schedule
Sept. 5 at Central Arkansas
Sept. 19 vs. Austin Peay
Oct. 3 at Abilene Christian
Oct. 24 at EKU
Nov. 7 at North Alabama
Nov. 14 vs. Tarleton State
Nov. 21 at West Georgia
About The UAC, ASUN Consortium
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) will rebrand as the United Athletic Conference (UAC) and form a consortium with the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN). This strategic alliance will facilitate collaborative scheduling, the leveraging of collective assets, and shared operational efficiencies designed to benefit all member institutions. The alliance strengthens the geographic footprint for both conferences, ensuring that student-athletes continue to benefit from extensive competition opportunities. Both the ASUN and the newly-branded UAC will retain their independent conference structures and automatic qualifiers to NCAA Championships.
Beginning July 1, 2026, the United Athletic Conference (UAC) will consist of nine (9) full-time members with Abilene Christian University (Abilene, Texas), the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (Little Rock, Ark.), Austin Peay State University (Clarksville, Tenn.), the University of Central Arkansas (Conway, Ark.), Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond, Ky.), the University of North Alabama (Florence, Ala.), Tarleton State University (Stephenville, Texas), the University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, Texas), and the University of West Georgia (Carrollton, Ga.) with the University of West Florida (Pensacola, Fla.) as an affiliate member in football.
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) full-time members will include Bellarmine University (Louisville, Ky.), Florida Gulf Coast University (Fort Myers, Fla.), Jacksonville University (Jacksonville, Fla.), Lipscomb University (Nashville, Tenn.), the University of North Florida (Jacksonville, Fla.), Queens University of Charlotte (Charlotte, N.C.), Stetson University (DeLand, Fla.) and the University of West Florida (Pensacola, Fla.).
