The Lone Star Conference has invited Texas Wesleyan University to apply for membership and begin the process of transitioning to NCAA Division II. 

The invitation marks a significant milestone in Texas Wesleyan's move from the NAIA to NCAA Division II, which is a strategic step toward stronger competition, greater regional alignment and expanded national visibility for its 23 varsity programs and more than 650 student-athletes. 

Founded in 1890 as Fort Worth's first institution of higher education, Texas Wesleyan would give the conference its only member campus in the city of Fort Worth, the nation's 10th-largest city and part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. 

"This invitation reflects our university's investment in our student-athletes by their coaches, staff and supporters. We are honored to take this next step, and we are ready for it. Competing in the Lone Star Conference means competing among the best in Division II, and that is exactly where Texas Wesleyan belongs." Dr. Emily Messer, president, said. 

Texas Wesleyan currently sponsors 16 of the 17 sports contested by the Lone Star Conference and plans to add STUNT. During the 2025-26 academic year, the university's athletic program recorded: 

• 11 conference championship titles across teams and individuals 

• 14 teams and individuals in postseason play 

• 12 teams in the NAIA national tournament 

• 3 national championship titles 

• 14 All-America honorees 

• 15 teams earning scholar team status 

“Our student-athletes have earned this opportunity. We have built the programs, the facilities and the support systems to compete at this level, and our people are excited to test themselves against the best the region has to offer. This is a proud day for Rams athletics and for everyone who helped us get here,” Ricky Dotson, director of athletics, said. 

The transition to NCAA Division II is a multi-year provisional process. Texas Wesleyan's application is due in October, with notification of its membership status expected in winter 2027.