Florida A&M’s football program will be subject to NCAA sanctions for the 2026 season after the governing body determined that its Academic Progress Rate fell short of the required threshold. The sanction reflects a history in which the university has only twice surpassed the 930 benchmark, achieving it in 2008‑09 and 2018‑19, and the most recent figure of 918 for the 2024‑25 academic year marks a modest rise from a 901 the prior year.
In response, the Southwestern Athletic Conference awarded a grant to Florida A&M aimed at strengthening academic support for student‑athletes. The initiative includes the appointment of Reginald Thomas as Associate Vice President for Athletics and Academic Excellence, a role he will fill after serving as Associate Commissioner for Administration at the SWAC’s Birmingham headquarters and in senior compliance and student‑services positions at Bethune‑Cookman University.
A New Coach and a Television Spotlight
Quinn Fordham Gray Sr., who spent the past three seasons leading Albany State, has been named the new head coach. His first game will open the 12‑game regular season against Albany State, a matchup that will be televised via SWAC TV, giving the program added visibility as it seeks to improve both athletic and academic performance.
SWAC Commissioner Charles McClelland expressed optimism that the combination of financial resources, leadership changes and increased broadcast exposure could lift the program on the field and in the classroom, signaling a coordinated effort to address the underlying academic challenges.