Missouri State has officially earned a spot in a bowl game.
At the end of the college football regular season Nov. 29, Bowl Season — which coordinates the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision’s 82 postseason teams — announced the eligibility.
The Bears finished the season with a 7-5 record under head coach Ryan Beard, who served as the defensive coordinator for Missouri State before moving into the top job in 2022.
In mid-November, athletic director Patrick Ransdell announced Missouri State was petitioning the NCAA for a postseason waiver to participate in a bowl game.
Because of MSU’s recent transition to Conference USA, they were ineligible for postseason play under NCAA rules.
Missouri lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt and U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison added their support, calling on the NCAA to grant the waiver request.
“The university has done everything asked of it and more. Its student athletes have earned their place on the field and a chance to compete in the postseason through performance, not administrative technicalities,” Schmitt wrote, in part.
“The NCAA must not deny these student-athletes the postseason opportunity they have earned based on an arbitrary, outdated regulation that no longer reflects the current realities. I strongly urge the NCAA to approve Missouri State University’s waiver request and allow these student-athletes to compete for the postseason recognition their hard work and on-field success have earned.”
Burlison added: “With 82 postseason slots available this season, Missouri State University deserves equal consideration. These student-athletes have earned their opportunity on the field and should not be sidelined by an outdated rule alone.”
The NCAA waivers have been granted in the past.
In addition to Missouri State, fellow Conference USA newcomer Delaware was also granted eligibility.
Bowl pairings, dates and locations will be announced at a later date. The official Bowl Selection Show is Sunday, Dec. 7.
Missouri State fans who are interested in attending the bowl game can fill out an “intent form” to obtain ticket information as soon as a bowl destination is known.
In their inaugural season in Conference USA and the FBS ranks, the Bears are 7-5 overall and finished 5-3 in the CUSA standings to tie for fourth place in the 12-team league.
