• Mississippi Valley State University's football team received a one-year postseason ban due to low APR scores, specifically a multiyear APR of 904, below the required 930.
• The NCAA's report for the 2023-24 academic year reveals that 24 out of 49 teams facing APR-related penalties are HBCUs, disproportionately impacting these institutions.
• Despite overall improvement in APR scores among HBCUs, systemic funding disparities continue to put them at a higher risk of facing penalties.

Mississippi Valley State University's (MVSU) football program has been penalized with a one-year postseason ban and practice reductions due to insufficient Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores. This announcement came as part of the NCAA's annual report for the 2023-24 academic year, which highlighted both improvements and persistent challenges for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in meeting academic benchmarks. The APR is a metric used by the NCAA to track the academic performance of student-athletes, and consistently low scores can lead to penalties that impact a team's ability to compete.

• What: Mississippi Valley State University's football team received a one-year postseason ban due to a multiyear APR score of 904, which falls below the NCAA's required threshold of 930. The NCAA also assessed penalties to other HBCU programs for similar reasons.
• Who: Mississippi Valley State University, Jackson State University, NCAA, Terrell Buckley (MVSU football coach). Other HBCUs mentioned include Florida A&M, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Coppin State University, Delaware State University, and Howard University.
• When: Penalties go into effect with the next academic year (2024-2025). The NCAA released its annual report on May 6, 2025. The multiyear APR is calculated using single-year scores from 2020-21 through 2023-24.
• Where: Mississippi Valley State University is located in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Jackson State University is located in Jackson, Mississippi.

The penalties levied against Mississippi Valley State University and other HBCUs underscore the ongoing challenges these institutions face in meeting NCAA academic standards. While overall APR scores among HBCUs have improved, disparities persist due to systemic funding issues and enforcement policies. The postseason ban for MVSU football is a significant setback, especially as the team is under new leadership with coach Terrell Buckley. The NCAA data highlights the need for continued investment and targeted academic support to help HBCUs close the APR gap and ensure student-athlete success.

Mississippi Valley State University's postseason ban highlights the complex relationship between academic standards, athletic performance, and institutional resources within the context of HBCUs. While progress has been made in raising APR scores, systemic challenges remain, requiring sustained efforts to support student-athletes and ensure equitable opportunities. The situation at MVSU, along with similar cases at other HBCUs, serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing evaluation and reform within the NCAA's academic oversight framework.