The program began in 2009 and originally competed in NCAA Division II as members of the Lone Star Conference.

† Conference champions Playoff berth [3] UIW home football games are played on campus at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium.

It is named after Tom Benson and his wife Gayle, whose generous monetary donations helped start up the UIW football program.

Official record (including any NCAA imposed vacates and forfeits) against all current Southland opponents: Overall (2–8) The Walter Payton Award is awarded annually to the most outstanding college offensive player in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) as chosen by a nationwide panel of media and college sports information directors.

The Jerry Rice Award is awarded annually to the most outstanding freshman player in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) of college football as chosen by a nationwide panel of media and college sports information directors.