Edward Waters University has announced a strategic change in its athletic policy regarding football matchups against NCAA Division I teams. President and CEO A. Zachary Faison Jr. has mandated that future games with Division I opponents will only proceed if they guarantee a substantial net financial benefit for the university and meet specific competitive criteria. This decision stems from a recent game where the financial returns barely covered operational costs, prompting a reevaluation of the value these high-profile games bring to a Division II institution.
The catalyst for this revised policy was a recent road game against Jackson State University, where Edward Waters suffered a significant 66-14 defeat. While the university received a $65,000 guarantee for participation, the expenses associated with travel and other logistical needs amounted to between $30,000 and $35,000, resulting in a net profit of only about $30,000. President Faison communicated to the university's athletic community that such an economic outcome does not adequately justify the considerable demands placed on the team, coaching staff, and the overall football program. He emphasized that the current financial models for these non-conference Division I games are simply unsustainable for the university.
Further exacerbating the issue is the disparity in scholarship allocations between Division II and Division I programs. Edward Waters University currently supports 29 football scholarships, placing it among the top quarter of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). However, NCAA Division II rules cap football scholarships at 36, whereas Division I FCS teams are permitted up to 63 funded scholarships. Faison articulated that pitting a team with 29 scholarships against one with potentially 63 creates an inherently unbalanced competitive environment, suggesting that the team is being 'mismeasured' rather than fairly assessed.
Under the new guidelines, Edward Waters will only consider playing a Division I opponent if the contract explicitly secures a net profit of at least $100,000 after all travel-related expenditures are deducted. Additionally, the guarantee payment received by EWU must represent a minimum of 35% of the fee that the host Division I school earns from playing a 'Power Four' conference opponent. This robust financial requirement is designed to ensure that such games are not only prestigious but also genuinely contribute to the university's financial well-being. The revised strategy will also limit future scheduling against NAIA programs, which do not contribute to Division II postseason qualification. Instead, the focus will shift to scheduling Division II opponents within conferences such as the SIAC, CIAA, Conference Carolinas, and the Gulf South Conference, where the Tigers can compete more equitably and strategically aim for success. The team is now preparing for its next game against Miles College, with a renewed focus on Division II competition.
In essence, Edward Waters University is recalibrating its athletic strategy to prioritize financial prudence and competitive equity. The institution is moving away from financially unrewarding matchups that offer limited competitive advantage, instead focusing on building a stronger, more sustainable football program within its appropriate division. This strategic pivot ensures that future scheduling decisions are aligned with the university's long-term athletic and financial objectives.
