SALEM, Va. — On a sweltering August morning, Roanoke College’s football training camp buzzes with activity in this southwestern Virginia town. Players celebrate a receiver’s acrobatic catch while linemen endure blocking drills. Remarkably, this marks the inaugural practice for a varsity football team since 1942, when the sport was discontinued during World War II.
Roanoke is among a dozen schools reintroducing football programs in recent years, with more set to join in 2026. Colleges aim to boost enrollment, especially among men, whose numbers in higher education are dwindling. Although initial enrollment often spikes, research indicates these gains are short-lived.
Roanoke’s President, Frank Shushok Jr., believes reviving football will attract more students, particularly men. The liberal arts college saw a decline of nearly 300 students from 2019 to 2022. With a shrinking pool of 18-year-olds nationwide, competition for students is fierce. “Do I think adding sports strategically is helping the college maintain its enrollment base? It absolutely has for us,” Shushok stated.
Women outnumber men at four-year colleges nationally by about 60% to 40%, a trend reflected at Roanoke. In 2019, 1,125 women enrolled compared to 817 men. This fall, the college will enroll 1,738 students, evenly split between genders, with over 55% of new freshmen being male.
The football program has already reached its goal of attracting 100 new students, with 97 players on the field. The season kicked off on September 6 with a victory over Virginia University of Lynchburg, described by Shushok as “a brilliant day full of community spirit and pride.”
In NCAA Division III, where Roanoke competes, athletic scholarships are not allowed. Thus, athletes contribute tuition or receive financial aid like other students, generating revenue for the college. Shushok aims to foster school spirit and a lively campus. A marching band and cheerleading team have also been introduced.
Despite limited long-term enrollment benefits, colleges continue adding football programs. New England College and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley have recently done so, with more institutions planning to follow, like Chicago State University and Azusa Pacific University.
A 2024 University of Georgia study found that new football programs cause a temporary spike in male enrollment, which fades over time. “What you see is basically a one-year spike in male enrollment,” said Welch Suggs, the study’s lead author.
As colleges seek gender balance, many lament the low percentage of male high school graduates pursuing higher education, which is only 39% according to a recent Pew survey.
Roanoke’s strategy isn’t solely focused on athletics. Partnerships with community colleges guarantee admission for students completing associate degrees. Additionally, nine new majors, including cannabis studies, were added in 2024. Transfer students increased from 65 to 91 this year, thanks to the community college program.
Coach Bryan Stinespring started with minimal resources, rallying students to join a club team. Their first game drew 9,200 fans. Players like Ethan Mapstone were inspired by Stinespring’s vision, committing to Roanoke despite previous injuries.
Concerns about football altering campus culture were dispelled as players received praise for their conduct. “All the professors like them because they say ‘yes, sir’ and ‘no, ma’am,’” noted junior Payton Rigney.
While professional football careers are unlikely for Division III athletes, players cherish the experience. “It’s a great blessing to be able to do what we do,” Mapstone remarked. “Even though there’s not a future for it, I love it.”
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