The McNeese Cowboys will not be participating in the 2020 FCS Playoffs after failing to maintain the required NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR).
The NCAA requires all programs to maintain an APR of 930 or higher over a four year period in order to be eligible for the postseason. McNeese had an average APR of 917 for the academic school years 2015-16 through 2018-19.
McNeese finished 5th in the Southland Conference in 2019 with a record of 7-5 (5-4 in conference) with first year head coach Sterlin Gilbert. The previous three seasons were under the guidance of Lance Guidry where the Cowboys finished with a winning record each season, but did not make the FCS Playoffs in any of those seasons.
Should McNeese have a four year rolling average with an APR greater than 930 following the current academic year, they will be eligible for the postseason again starting in 2021.
