FAMU Football Faces NCAA Penalties for Low Academic Scores

University outlines plan to improve student-athlete performance and eligibility.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:45am

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of orange, green, and gold, conceptually representing the fragmented state of FAMU's football program due to NCAA academic sanctions.FAMU's football program faces tough academic penalties, forcing the university to rethink its approach to supporting student-athlete success.Tallahassee Today

Florida A&M University's football program has been hit with Level Two Academic Progress Rate (APR) penalties from the NCAA for the 2026-27 academic year. The penalties include practice restrictions and ineligibility for postseason competition as the university works to address academic performance issues among its student-athletes.

Why it matters

FAMU is a historically Black university with a storied football program, and these penalties could significantly impact the team's ability to compete and recruit top talent. The university must now focus on improving academic support and accountability for its student-athletes to avoid further sanctions.

The details

The NCAA's APR measures the academic performance and retention of student-athletes. FAMU's football program failed to meet the minimum APR threshold, triggering the Level Two penalties. The university says it will implement new academic monitoring, tutoring, and counseling programs to help players improve their grades and eligibility.

  • The penalties will be in effect for the 2026-27 academic year.

The players

Florida A&M University (FAMU)

A historically Black university located in Tallahassee, Florida, with a storied football program that has now received NCAA penalties for poor academic performance.

NCAA

The National Collegiate Athletic Association, the governing body for college sports that has levied the penalties against FAMU's football program.

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What they’re saying

“We are committed to providing our student-athletes with the resources and support they need to succeed academically and athletically. These penalties are a wake-up call, and we will use this as motivation to improve our academic performance across the board.”

— Dr. Larry Robinson, President, Florida A&M University

What’s next

FAMU says it will work closely with the NCAA to develop an academic improvement plan and implement new support programs for its student-athletes. The university's football team will be ineligible for postseason play and face practice restrictions during the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

These penalties highlight the importance of academic performance for student-athletes, even at the highest levels of college sports. FAMU must now prioritize improving its academic support systems to ensure its student-athletes can succeed both in the classroom and on the field.