By Hunter Murdaugh
In college athletics, change usually comes slowly with programs building over decades, conferences shifting over many years, and milestones reached step by step. For the University of West Georgia though, the transition to Division I has been anything but slow. In just a short span, the Wolves have not only adjusted to a higher level of competition but are already preparing for another major shift. UWG is planning a full transition from the ASUN Conference to the United Athletic Conference (UAC) beginning in the 2026–27 athletic season.
The journey officially began in June of 2024, when West Georgia announced its move to Division I and its initial membership in the ASUN Conference. This was a defining moment for the university.
With the announcement of joining the highest level of collegiate athletics came a wave of firsts. New schedules were released, new opponents faced, and bigger expectations quickly followed. The release of their first Division I schedule entry into a new level of collegiate competition for the program.
The adjustment period for West Georgia did not last long, as just one week into Division I play, they secured their first official win at the new level with a victory over the University of New Orleans in a volleyball match. It was a milestone moment for the program that validated the move up and proved that UWG could compete. The entire athletic department praised the win as just another steppingstone on the road forward.
These “firsts” began stacking up quickly as the athletic calendar progressed in the 0224-25 athletic year. In November of 2024, another milestone was reached as the women’s basketball team scored its first ever points at the Division I level, marking a point in history that will be looked back on for years to come. While it may seem small on the surface, this represented the beginning of a new chapter.
As the months pushed on, UWG continued to move forward. By March 2025, the Wolves faced their first Power Four (ACC, SEC, BIG 10, or BIG 12 conference) opponent in any sport, a matchup that highlighted just how far the program had come in such a short time. Competing against established programs at that level brought both challenges and valuable experience.
While each sport contributed to UWG’s Division I story, the football program emerged as one of the most notable success stories. Competing in the UAC as a football-only conference during this period, the team quickly found its footing. By the end of the 2025 season, West Georgia had not only improved but exceeded expectations. This season the team won eight games and earned a spot in the national top 25 rankings for the first time as a Division I program.
The success on such a short timeline set the stage for the next major step: a full transition to the United Athletic Conference. Originally a football-only conference, the UAC has since expanded to include multiple sports, creating an opportunity for schools like West Georgia and other former ASUN schools to unify their athletic programs under one conference umbrella for all sports.
After two years in the ASUN, UWG along with other schools made the decision to join the UAC as a full-time member. Now, instead of splitting conference affiliations between football and other programs, West Georgia will now compete entirely within the same conference structure.
The shift is set to take effect with the start of the 2026–27 athletic calendar. Schedules are already reflecting the change, signaling a fresh slate of competition and rivalries.
What makes this transition particularly notable is the speed at which it has unfolded. Many programs spend years adjusting to Division I before seeing measurable success. West Georgia however, has managed to compete and grow almost immediately.
As the Wolves prepare for their first full season in the UAC, there is a sense that this is only the beginning. Now, the focus shifts to building consistency, developing rivalries, and continuing to elevate the program.