Missouri State wide receiver James BlackStrain did not receive a waiver for a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, the school confirmed Friday, and is no longer on the Bears’ 2026 roster.
MSU said it is continuing to pursue waiver possibilities for BlackStrain, who participated in spring drills for the Bears after being one of the team’s primary pass-catchers the previous two seasons.
BlackStrain transferred to MSU in 2024 from Georgia Tech and was an immediate contributor. He was named to the 2024 All-Missouri Valley Newcomer Team after totaling 24 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns among a deep and balanced group of receivers that helped the Bears finish 8-4 in their year in their final Football Championship Subdivision.
After missing multiple games with a thumb injury in 2025, BlackStrain made six starts and in 11 appearances. He caught 22 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown, helping the Bears go 7-5 in their Conference USA and FBS debut and reach the Xbox Bowl.
At Georgia Tech, BlackStrain appeared in one game in 2023. As a redshirt freshman in 2022, he appeared in six games with one start against Duke. He redshirted his true freshman season in 2021.
The Florida native reportedly missed the 2023 and 2021 seasons at Georgia Tech due to injury. A four-star recruit, per 247 Sports, BlackStrain also missed his junior year of high school due to injury.
BlackStrain graduated from Missouri State in December and is pursuing a post-graduate certificate in nonprofit leadership.
Ryan Collingwood is the sports editor and Missouri State University athletics beat writer for the Springfield Daily Citizen. He can be reached at rcollingwood@sgfcitizen.org or by phone at 417-837-3660. More by Ryan Collingwood