CARROLLTON, Ga. - The University of West Georgia announced today that it has formally notified the NCAA of its decision to participate in the new NCAA Division I reclassification process and pursue full member status in three years rather than the previously announced four-year track.
The original four-year track was slated to bring UWG to full member status 2028-29, but thanks to updated legislation from the NCAA's Division I Strategic Vision & Planning Committee, reclassifying institutions can now complete the full process in three years, provided they meet the updated academic, financial and operational benchmarks. Upon successful completion, UWG would begin the fall of 2027 as full-fledged Division I members and be eligible for NCAA postseason competition during the 2027-28 athletic year.
"The opportunity for the University of West Georgia and for UWG Athletics to take advantage of this revised pathway from the NCAA is one that could not be overlooked," said Dr. Michael Johnson, UWG's president. "This approach provides a cadence that aligns with our current pace of development and grants us several significant benefits, including financial support and earlier access to NCAA championships. More importantly, it positions us to be even more competitive as a Division I institution and expands the opportunities available to our student-athletes. This accelerated track represents another step forward in our commitment to building champions for life – on the field, in the classroom, and beyond. We are grateful to the NCAA for making this path possible and to our fans and supporters of UWG Athletics."
UWG recently announced the institution had been advanced into year two of the reclassification process, and today's announcement is another testament to the University's commitment to excellence for student-athletes, alumni, the entire university community, and the west Georgia region.
While all 15 of UWG's NCAA-sponsored sport programs were immediately eligible for conference postseason, the accelerated reclassification gives the Wolves earlier access to NCAA postseason play including March Madness and the FCS Playoffs among additional benefits.
