Missouri State Rallies for Bowl Bid, Seeks NCAA Waiver in Inaugural FBS Season

In a surprising turn of events, the Missouri State Bears football team has reached bowl eligibility in their inaugural FBS season, despite rules that typically block transitioning programs from the postseason. The team rallied past Liberty on a last-minute touchdown pass to secure their sixth win, but now faces an uphill battle to actually play in a bowl game.

According to Missouri State athletics director Patrick Ransdell, the school will be petitioning the NCAA for a postseason waiver that would allow them to participate in a bowl game this year. Ransdell acknowledges the NCAA has traditionally been reluctant to grant such waivers, but believes the current rules are "antiquated" and should be changed to better support student-athletes.

The Bears, along with fellow FCS-to-FBS newcomer Delaware, were required to skip the 2024 FCS playoffs as part of their transition. However, Ransdell argues that in today's fast-paced world, teams can reinvent themselves quickly, and depriving players of a postseason opportunity is unfair. He believes a bowl game appearance would help springboard Missouri State's future in the FBS.

While the NCAA has denied similar waiver requests in the past, there is a secondary path for transitioning programs if fewer than 82 teams reach bowl eligibility. Missouri State remains hopeful that they can secure a bowl invitation through this contingency plan, should the NCAA deny their direct waiver petition.