Mississippi College, the state’s oldest institution of higher learning, is undergoing major changes. The school announced that it will change its name to Mississippi Christian University in 2026 and will be dropping its football program effective immediately. The decision comes after 200 years of history, with the school being known as Mississippi College since 1830. The name change is said to be in line with the institution’s Christian mission, as it is affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention.
In addition to the name change, Mississippi College will also undergo an academic reorganization, consolidating programs and renaming the School of Education. The athletic department will be realigned, resulting in the discontinuation of the football program that has been in existence since 1907. The decision was made due to increasing costs in football, with the university focusing on building first-class programs in other sports. The football team finished its final season with a 2-8 record, with the last winning season in 2009.
The news has received mixed reactions, with some expressing shock and disappointment over the decision. Coaches and players alike have expressed their sadness at the program’s end, with many highlighting the impact of the decision on their lives. Mississippi College has pledged to honor the scholarships of current players and support them as they seek new opportunities. While some view the decision as necessary for the university’s future, others have criticized it as cowardly and detrimental to the legacy of players, coaches, and the community.
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