University of West Florida begins inaugural Division I athletic era

The University of West Florida (UWF) is entering its inaugural NCAA Division I era across multiple athletic programs.

In football, the UWF Argonauts are set to play their first Division I game at PenAir Field against Southern Illinois. The Southern Illinois program is ranked No. 16 in the preseason Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) poll. Bubba Thompson, a former first-round MLB draft pick for the Texas Rangers, is expected to start at quarterback for the Argonauts.

In men’s basketball, UWF will face Florida State University in the ‘Battle at the Bay’ on November 29 at the Pensacola Bay Center. This matchup against an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent is part of the university’s transition into Division I competition.