Texas Wesleyan football explains rationale behind move to Division II
Texas Wesleyan athletics is ready for the next step, and the school University Board of Trustees announced plans Tuesday, Feb. 24 to apply to move from the NAIA to Division II.
If approved by the NCAA, the Rams’ last season spent in the NAIA would be 2027–28, with their first year in Division II being 2028-29.
Athletic director Ricky Dotson explained why now was the right time for the Rams in a statement announcing the decision.
“This is a strategic and well-timed opportunity for Texas Wesleyan,” said Dotson. “Our programs reflect sustained competitive success, strong academic performance by our student-athletes, and an institutional commitment to excellence that aligns with NCAA Division II values. We are well positioned organizationally, competitively and culturally to take this next step.”
The university talked about geography as a major reason for the attempt to move up with only three Texas teams in the region versus more than a dozen if they were to move to Division II, which they said would reduce travel burdens on athletes and the institution.
Board Chair Glenn Lewis talked about how the move could be a boon to the university.
“This vote affirms our confidence in Texas Wesleyan’s academic strength, financial model and athletic infrastructure,” Lewis said. “Moving forward with the application process enhances our visibility, strengthens academic and athletic outcomes, and reinforces our position as a leading university in the region.”
Becoming a NCAA Division II athletics member is a multi-year process. It takes three years for an NAIA program to move to D-II under the normal provisional process, but it can be expedited to take two years instead of three.
The move for the Rams also comes after former head football coach Brad Sherrod left the Rams to coach the Morehouse Maroon Tigers.
