The reclassification was a result of the NCAA prohibiting a school's athletic program from being multi-divisional, and since UAB already competed in Division I in other sports, the move became necessary. In their first game as a I-AA team, the Blazers would lose to Troy State 37–3 before a home crowd on September 6, 1993.
The NCAA's ban on multi-divisional athletic programs led UAB to reclassify to I-AA status.  Their first game as an I-AA team resulted in a loss to Troy State 37–3 on September 6, 1993, before a home crowd.