The University of West Georgia continues to work with the NCAA regarding a recruiting compliance matter involving a prospective football student-athlete and the NCAA Transfer Portal.   

UWG identified the matter through an internal compliance review and promptly reported it to conference and NCAA officials. The university is awaiting the NCAA's interpretation determination regarding the matter. 

While that process continues, UWG has independently suspended Head Football Coach Steve Englehart for the first three games of the season and currently plans for that suspension to remain in effect while the matter is under review. The suspension is a university-imposed action and is not an NCAA penalty or determination. 

"We take our responsibility as an NCAA Division I institution seriously," UWG President Michael Johnson said. "When we identified this issue, we reported it and took immediate action. We also believe it is important to allow the NCAA process to run its course before reaching conclusions about the matter. Our responsibility in the meantime is to act with integrity, cooperate fully and hold ourselves accountable." 

Director of Athletics Jason Carmichael said the university has continued to review its compliance procedures while working with the NCAA. 

"We expect our coaches and staff to meet NCAA requirements, and we take compliance seriously," Carmichael said. "Coach Englehart has cooperated fully throughout this process and has our support. We will continue working with the NCAA and will respond appropriately when its review is complete." 

Offensive coordinator Jayson Martin will continue to serve as the interim head coach. 

UWG will provide additional information when the NCAA process has concluded.