Cal Poly has become the latest FCS program to opt out of the remainder of the season, joining Illinois State on a small but growing list of programs who started but will not finish the spring campaign.
"The health, safety and well-being of our football student-athletes is the only factor in our decision to end this season early — a decision reached after careful consideration with members of our coaching staff; President Armstrong and university senior leadership; and medical personnel," AD Don Oberhelman said Monday. "This will allow our young men to remain safe and prepare academically and athletically for the fall 2021 season."
Cal Poly was down to 49 available players from a starting point of 110, which the school said was below the Big Sky's minimum number.
The Mustangs were also forced to shut down activities for 17 days in late January and early February due to positive COVID-19 cases within the program.
Cal Poly will end its season at 0-3. The Mustangs lost 62-10 to Eastern Washington on Saturday.
The Mustangs had three games remaining, which will now turn into no-contests: at Northern Arizona this coming Saturday, UC Davis on April 10 and Weber State on April 17.
"In the end, the health and safety of our student-athletes must always be our top priority," head coach Beau Baldwin said. "We look forward to getting healthy in the coming months and are excited for what should be a memorable fall 2021 campaign."
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.
Update: Chattanooga has now joined the club.
"I appreciate all of the hard work our guys put into this entire season," stated Wright. "I know the timing is unfortunate, but like all programs across the country, we have been dealing with various COVID related issues throughout this whole process. We are disappointed that we are not able to continue, but our student-athletes have done everything we have asked of them and I can't thank them enough for their efforts over the past year."
The Mocs end their season at 3-2 and will not play Western Carolina (April 3), Samford (April 10) or East Tennessee State (April 17).