The University of West Florida is making a historic leap.

UWF announced Thursday that it will transition its athletics programs to NCAA Division I, beginning in Fall 2026. The Argonauts will join the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) as a full multi-sport member, while its football program will compete in the United Athletic Conference (UAC).

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“This 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.”

West Florida has been a powerhouse at the Division II level, particularly in the Gulf South Conference. The Argonauts have captured 11 national championships and 136 conference titles across 15 varsity programs, along with leading the GSC in all-time championships and all-sports trophies.

Success has extended beyond competition, with UWF student-athletes posting a cumulative 3.37 GPA in Spring 2025.

“This transition represents the next chapter in the evolution of our athletics program,” said Athletic Director Dave Scott. “As we prepare for Division I competition, we remain focused on building champions for life and continuing our tradition of success.”

The ASUN, founded in 1978, features Division I institutions across the Southeast, including Florida Gulf Coast, North Florida and Lipscomb. UWF’s football program will compete in the UAC, a conference formed through a partnership between the ASUN and Western Athletic Conference that will expand into a full multi-sport league and officially rebrand on July 1, 2026.

That same date marks the launch of a broader ASUN-WAC consortium, designed to enhance scheduling, streamline operations and expand competitive opportunities while preserving each league’s independence and NCAA tournament access.

“This addition strengthens both conferences and represents another major step in our alliance,” said consortium CEO Jeff Bacon. “With UWF on board, the momentum continues to build.”

As part of the NCAA’s reclassification process, UWF will compete at the Division I level immediately but will not be eligible for NCAA postseason play until 2029. The Argonauts will still be eligible for ASUN and UAC conference championships during the transition.

A new era of Argonaut athletics is officially on the horizon.

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