CLINTON, Miss. — In a significant shift for the institution, Mississippi College has announced plans to rebrand itself and eliminate its football program following the current season. This decision was made public by the college’s board on Monday, marking a new chapter for the private university located in the Clinton area, just outside Jackson.

Beginning in 2026, which coincides with the college’s 200th anniversary, Mississippi College will officially adopt the name Mississippi Christian University. This change is aimed at reinforcing the university’s identity while maintaining its existing MC logo. The institution’s administration hopes this new title will reflect its comprehensive educational offerings and mission.

President Blake Thompson expressed the importance of these modifications, stating, “These transformational and necessary changes are extremely important to the future of this institution. As we look ahead to the institution’s bicentennial in 2026, we want to ensure that MC will be a university recognized for academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ for another 200 years.” This vision is intended to position the university for long-term success and relevance.

Currently, Mississippi College competes at the NCAA Division II level and offers a total of 17 athletic programs. With the discontinuation of the football team, the focus will shift towards enhancing other sports programs.

Athletic Director Kenny Bizot further elaborated on the decision, citing the evolving dynamics of college football. He highlighted factors like the growing impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements, the transfer portal, and escalating operational expenses. “We felt it was necessary to concentrate our efforts on developing first-class programs that can compete for championships,” Bizot commented. This strategic pivot reflects a broader trend among educational institutions to adapt to the changing landscape of college athletics.