Akron football team barred from postseason play due to low academic scores

In Akron, Ohio, the NCAA has declared the Akron Zips football team ineligible for postseason play due to insufficient academic performance. The team's multiyear Academic Progress Rate (APR) score of 914 is significantly below the NCAA's minimum threshold of 930 required for postseason eligibility. This decision comes as the NCAA updated its APR database with the latest scores, indicating that Akron has struggled academically. The Zips have not participated in a bowl game since 2017, and they have had increasingly challenging seasons, with a notable 0-12 record in 2019. The NCAA had previously suspended certain APR sanctions during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, these penalties were reinstated starting with scores reported in the 2024-25 academic year. With the return to normal academic standards and monitoring, the governing body underscores the critical importance of academic performance in student-athlete eligibility for competitions. Akron's athletic department has not publicly addressed the APR situation, leaving many questions unanswered about their response and future plans, especially considering they have not exceeded four wins in a season since 2017. Under the leadership of third-year head coach Joe Moorhead, the Zips have shown some improvement recently, finishing the 2024 season with a 4-8 record. However, this performance still falls short of qualifying for bowl games. Since their last bowl appearance, the program has faced a decline, including three consecutive seasons with only two wins or fewer. The persistence of low APR scores by the team reflects broader challenges within the program, raising concerns for both current students and prospective recruits regarding academic support and overall commitment to educational excellence. Historically, the last team to be deemed ineligible for postseason play due to APR issues was Idaho in the 2014 season. The NCAA's decision to impose such penalties emphasizes a focus on the academic integrity of intercollegiate athletics. As time progresses, the implications of this decision could influence not only the team's immediate prospects but also its long-term viability in collegiate football, as they seek to rebuild a competitive program with an emphasis on both on-field success and academic responsibility.