WHITTIER, Calif. (Oct. 25, 2024) – With Homecoming 2024 in full focus, Whittier College Board of Trustees has officially approved the return of the college's football program for the 2026-27 academic year, resuming a 115-year football tradition in Whittier.
Whittier College Release
The return of the football program was made possible through the unwavering, vocal and intentional support of Whittier alumni, whose grassroots fundraising efforts raised more than $814,000. The news comes less than a year after the trustees voted to resurrect the men's lacrosse program as an MCLA club team, and less than a week after the hiring of
Head Coach Todd Francis to lead the program.
"We are thrilled to welcome football back to Whittier College," Whittier College President Kristine Dillon '73 said. "This program has been an integral part of our history, and its return will energize campus life, reengage our alumni, and offer prospective students another compelling reason to join the Poet family. It's an exciting time to be a Poet."
The $814,000 raised will go towards hiring a head coach, hiring the ensuing staff, branding, and initiatives to recruit the athletes who will make up what will be a historic roster ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The college has as rich of a football history as any Division III school; The next head coach will follow in the footsteps of all-time greats like George Allen and Don Coryell -- two coaches who are not only
Whittier College Purple & Gold Hall of Famers, but Pro Football Hall of Famers. The Poets are also the owner of 27 SCIAC Championships, and, more recently, made history as the
first Division III program to sign an NIL deal (Name, Image and Likeness). Out of 193 Whittier College Purple & Gold Hall of Famers, more than 80 had an association with the football program, including Ron Klepfer '59 who was inducted on Thursday night and played quarterback for Coach Allen.
Two years ago, the college shuttered its football program, but thanks to a groundswell of alumni support combined with the commitment to growth and excellence athletically and academically within the Whittier College Athletic Department, college football is back in Whittier. The 2026 season can't come soon enough.
Follow and show support for your Whittier Poets on Twitter (@WCPoets), YouTube and Instagram (@PoetAthletics)!
