Athletes: Play for the Knights
Men’s Varsity Football
Be a part of history and join the first-ever Calvin Knights football team. Calvin has a track record of excellence on the field, and now after 146 years it is finally time for our students to have the opportunity to showcase their talents on the gridiron. As a Calvin student-athlete, you will be supported by a community of mentors and coaches who will challenge you to excel in your academic studies and to sharpen your skills as an athlete. Your coaches will prepare you and your team to compete at the national level and will help you develop the character and values consistent with the university’s mission and your faith.
Members of the inaugural football team have a unique opportunity to be a part of history.
Frequently asked questions
How should prospective students express an interest in being recruited for football?
Contact Houston Glass and indicate your interest. Someone will follow up with you.
How should current students express interest in playing football at Calvin?
Contact Houston Glass and indicate your interest.
What facilities will be built to support the football program?
The athletics strategic plan calls for significant upgrades and additions to the outdoor fields at Calvin. This will include a new football stadium.
Where will the stadium be located?
The new football stadium will be located on the Northwest corner of campus. For context, the stadium will be constructed just to the north of the current soccer field and the field will run east-west.
When will the stadium be completed?
Construction related to the athletics strategic plan’s upgrade of outdoor facilities has begun and will be completed in phases between now and 2025. The stadium is included among the priorities of the plan.
When will the head coach and supporting staff be hired?
Trent Figg was hired in January 2023 as Calvin University's first football coach. Additional coaching staff will be hired during spring 2023. Figg comes to Calvin from the University of Oregon, where he served as senior offensive analyst on Coach Dan Lanning's staff.
What additional staff will be hired to support the football program?
Additional coordinators, assistant coaches, and support staff will be hired in the near future.
When will the first varsity game happen?
The first varsity game will take place in either August or September 2024.
When will recruitment start for the inaugural football team?
Interested players can apply to Calvin now and indicate interest in football on their application. You can also email Houston Glass if you have questions that are not answered in the FAQ.
How many football players will be recruited?
Division III football teams typically carry between 110-120 players on their roster.
What league will Calvin compete in?
This will be announced in January 2023.