College enrollment has been a big worry for many schools in recent years. Numbers are dropping, especially for men. To fight this, some colleges are adding football teams. They hope the sport will bring in more students. It could make the campus more fun and exciting. But does it really work? A new NPR story from September 13, 2025, looks at this trend. It talks about schools like Roanoke College in Virginia. They are starting football after a long time. Let’s explore why colleges are doing this. We will see examples and what experts say.
Why Are Colleges Adding Football Programs?
Many small colleges face tough times. Enrollment is down across the U.S. This is because of high costs, online options, and fewer young people going to college. A “demographic cliff” is coming in 2025. That means even fewer high school grads. Schools need ways to stand out. Football seems like a good idea. It can attract male students, who make up less of college crowds now.
Football teams can boost school spirit. Games bring people together. They create buzz on social media. Colleges think this will draw applicants. Athletes also pay tuition. A big team means more revenue right away. Plus, football fans might want to join the school to cheer for the team.
But it’s not just numbers. Leaders want a lively campus. Empty fields and quiet weekends hurt the vibe. A football program can change that. It adds events, tailgates, and pride. Some schools say it helps keep students longer too. Athletes often graduate at higher rates.
Still, starting a team costs money. Fields, coaches, gear—all add up. Schools bet it will pay off in the long run. The National Football Foundation says 777 colleges now have football. That’s up from before. Four new ones start this fall. Nine more come in 2026.
Recent Examples of Colleges Adding Football
Several schools have jumped on this trend. Let’s look at some key ones from the last few years.
Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, is a top example. They dropped football in 1942 during World War II. Now, it’s back after 83 years. Practice started in September 2025. The team plays in NCAA Division III. Head coach Bryan Stinespring had to build from scratch. No locker room at first. No pads or dummies. They even lacked uniforms. President Frank Shushok Jr. says it’s about more than just students. He wants school spirit. Freshman numbers dipped a bit this year. But transfers from a community college program rose from 65 to 91. The first game is soon. Fans hope it sparks interest.
New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire, added football in 2023. It’s a small school with about 2,000 students. They joined the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference. The move aimed to attract more men. Enrollment was flat before. Early signs show a small uptick in male applicants. The team plays home games at a local field. Coach Sean McCann says recruits like the close-knit feel. It’s part of a bigger plan with other sports too.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in Edinburg, Texas, started football in 2024. This public school serves a growing area near the border. They play in the United Athletic Conference at first. Then, full NCAA Division I in 2025. UTRGV spent $20 million on facilities. Enrollment was up 5% last year. Officials credit football for drawing diverse students, including more Latinos. Games pack the stadium. It boosts local pride.
Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, launched football in 2023. This Christian school added a Division III team. They also built a new complex for other sports like acrobatics and men’s volleyball. Enrollment jumped 15% that year. Half came from athletes. The football squad has 62 players. A homecoming scrimmage drew over 3,500 fans—bigger than the whole student body. Provost Noah Toly says it paid for itself fast. They play full games in 2024.
Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan, is a success story. Back in 2005, it had just 800 students. They started adding sports, including football. Now, enrollment doubled to 1,600. About 70% are athletes. They added over 30 teams total. Football brings in full-pay students who help the budget. President Jeff Docking saw it as a way to grow.
Other schools planning for 2026 include Chicago State University in Illinois and Azusa Pacific University in California. Chicago State, a public urban school, faces budget woes. Football could bring revenue and visibility. Azusa Pacific, a private Christian college, wants to energize its campus. Eastern University in Pennsylvania is another. They aim to start in 2025.
These examples show a mix of small private schools and public ones. Most are in Division III, where no scholarships are given. That keeps costs down. But the goal is the same: more students.
Does Adding Football Really Boost Enrollment?
The idea sounds great. But research says it’s not always a win. A study from the University of Georgia came out in April 2024. It looked at 36 schools that added football over 20 years. They compared them to similar colleges without teams. The result? No big long-term gains. There might be a short spike in enrollment for one or two years. But then it levels off. The same goes for male students and Black students. Tuition revenue per student didn’t rise much either.
Lead author David Suggs says it’s hard to prove football alone did it. Schools often add other things at the same time, like more scholarships or new clubs. “Colleges that didn’t build that front porch are likely getting the same number of students,” he noted. The study used data from the NCAA and U.S. Department of Education.
Older studies had mixed views. A 2015 report in College Planning & Management found six small schools grew after adding football and a marching band. Another in Strategic Enrollment Management Quarterly agreed. The famous “Flutie Effect” from 1984 shows how Boston College’s big win boosted applications by 30%. A Harvard study said great football seasons can raise apps by 17.7%. But that’s for big schools. Small ones may not see the same.
Experts like David Ridpath from Ohio University warn of risks. Adding sports can change campus culture. It might lower academic standards if not careful. At New College of Florida, new athletics came with a drop in incoming GPAs. “Don’t let the athletics tail wag the academic dog,” he said. Diversity can improve through football recruits. But it raises issues about stereotypes for students of color.
Despite the doubts, colleges keep trying. The Hechinger Report notes about a dozen added teams in the last two years. They hope for that short boost and long-term spirit.
The Bigger Picture: Football’s Role in College Life
Football does more than numbers. It builds community. At Roanoke, players like Connor Cox and Austin Fisher watch from sidelines with excitement. Games create traditions. They draw alumni back, which helps fundraising.
But challenges exist. Costs can run high. Division III teams need $500,000 to $1 million a year. Facilities take millions, like UTRGV’s $20 million. Injuries and time demands worry some. Plus, not all teams win. Losing seasons might hurt morale.
In a post-affirmative action world, football aids diversity. Recruits from varied backgrounds join. But schools must balance it with academics.
Overall, adding football is a gamble. It works for some, like Adrian and Calvin. Others see little change. As enrollment cliffs near, more schools will try.
A Touchdown or a Fumble?
Colleges adding football to boost enrollment is a hot topic in 2025. Schools like Roanoke, New England College, and UTRGV lead the way. They seek more men, revenue, and spirit. Success stories exist, but studies show limited long-term wins. Short spikes happen, but not always lasting growth. Experts urge caution. Don’t over-rely on sports. As the National Football Foundation reports 777 teams now, the trend grows. For small colleges, it’s worth watching. Will football save the day? Or is it just one piece of a bigger plan? Time will tell as new teams take the field.