NJCP Football League and Southern Utah University Team Up to Secure NCAA Eligibility for Athletes
Admin User
April 15, 2026
St. George, Utah / CRWE Press Release / March 5, 2026 — To ensure that every athlete remains on the path to a four-year degree, the National Junior College Prep (NJCP) Football League and Southern Utah University (SUU) announce a collaboration that will provide NJCP players with an accredited academic platform, ensuring they maintain NCAA eligibility while competing at a national level. Through this collaborative effort, NJCP players will gain access to SUU’s robust suite of online undergraduate programs, specifically designed to eliminate the common barriers of geography and scheduling. This initiative allows athletes to maintain their academic progress and NCAA eligibility while competing in the NJCP’s developmental league.
“We’re excited to partner with NJCP to give student-athletes the chance to continue their education while developing on the field and beyond, and to work with SUU alumnus Shawn Jones, founder and president of the league,” said Lynn Kvamme, Director of Recruitment and Partnerships at SUU Online.
In an era where the transfer portal and recruitment cycles move faster than ever, the NJCP is building a baseline of academic discipline to match the grit shown on the field. This collaboration allows athletes to enroll in high-quality, accredited courses through SUU, providing a seamless bridge to D1 and D2 programs without losing a step in their degree progress.
Athletes in the NJCP have direct access to:
- Accredited Academic Support: Resources tailored specifically for the modern student-athlete’s schedule.
- Direct Transfer Pathways: Strategic connections with academic advisors to streamline the transition to four-year universities.
- Mission-Critical Eligibility Tracking: A structured system designed to keep players “transfer-ready” and eligible for collegiate scholarships.
- Elite Professional Networks: Access to SUU’s broader educational and career resources that extend well beyond the locker room.
“The goal is simple: zero academic casualties,” says the NJCP’s Commissioner Shawn Jones, who graduated from SUU in 1998. “We’ve built a league on grit and national pride, but that talent has to be backed by a solid academic foundation. By integrating SUU’s world-class platform into our league structure, we provide our players with the ultimate safety net. We’re handling the business in the classroom so they can dominate on the field.”
This partnership reinforces the NJCP’s mission to move junior college football out of the shadows and into a professionalized, structured environment. By combining SUU’s academic powerhouse with the NJCP’s national media engine, the league ensures that its athletes are not just making highlights, but are ready to sign on the dotted line when the next level calls.
About Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University is a caring campus community where students realize their potential through personalized mentorship from people dedicated to helping them soar. Offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, SUU provides hands-on, career-focused learning to prepare students for the future. Located in the world’s best backyard, SUU’s safe and vibrant campus offers a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels supported and inspired by both the natural beauty and a strong sense of community. Whether on campus or online, SUU provides an education that is competitively priced and highly valued, giving students the skills and confidence to thrive in any professional setting. This is where students soar.
About NJCP Football League: The National Junior College Prep Football League is a nationwide developmental organization focused on preparing student-athletes for success on and off the field. NJCP provides structured opportunities for high school graduates, transfer portal athletes, and overlooked players to continue competing while receiving coaching, mentorship, and exposure to collegiate programs. For more information, please visit www.njcpfootball.com.
Media Contact:
National Junior College Prep Football League
(435) 922 3335