Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, has announced major changes that will take effect after the current football season. The private institution will change its name to Mississippi Christian University in 2026 in honor of its bicentennial. This rebranding aims to emphasize the school’s status as a comprehensive university while preserving its MC logo and identity. President Blake Thompson stated that these changes are crucial for the institution’s future, ensuring academic excellence and a commitment to Christ for the next 200 years.
As a result of these transformations, Mississippi College will be discontinuing its football program and focusing on building competitive sports teams in the remaining 17 sports it offers. Athletic Director Kenny Bizot explained that the decision to end football was influenced by various factors such as the changing landscape of college football, the impact of Name, Image, Likeness (NIL), and the transfer portal, as well as rising operational and travel costs.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among students and alumni, with some expressing disappointment at the loss of the football program and others supporting the university’s efforts to prioritize academic excellence and sports competitiveness. Mississippi College will now begin a new chapter as it transitions to Mississippi Christian University, ushering in a new era for the institution.
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