Calvin University Football:
From Startup Program
to National Contender ?!
The Calvin University Knights are having a remarkable 2026 football season. In just their third varsity season, the Knights have emerged as one of the most exciting developing programs in NCAA Division III football. As of October 25, Calvin is undefeated at 7–0 overall and 4–0 in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play.
A Remarkable Rise
Calvin launched its varsity football program in 2024 under head coach Trent Figg. Building a college football program from scratch is no small task, but the Knights have improved rapidly. After establishing the program in its inaugural season, Calvin made substantial progress in 2025 and has taken another major step forward in 2026.
The team's success reflects the development of its players, returning experience, an explosive offense, and the work of a coaching staff led by Figg, who previously worked at the University of Oregon.
The 2026 Season So Far
Calvin has won its first seven games:
• September 5:
Defeated Otterbein 53–21
• September 12:
Defeated St. Norbert 49–7
• September 19: Defeated Franklin 41–7
• September 26: Defeated Olivet 66–20
• October 3: Defeated Adrian 17–12
• October 17: Defeated Kalamazoo 54–9
• October 24: Defeated Albion 52–20
The Knights have demonstrated impressive scoring ability, putting up more than 40 points in most of their victories. The 17–12 win over Adrian was a reminder that they can also prevail in a close, hard-fought contest.
National Recognition
Calvin's outstanding season has earned it national recognition. On October 19, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) ranked Calvin No. 23 in its NCAA Division III Top 25 poll, marking the first time in program history that the Knights entered the poll.
Calvin also stood at No. 11 in the Division III National Power Index (NPI), a computer-based rating used in NCAA playoff seeding and at-large selection decisions.
Hope College has climbed to No. 9 in the D3football.com national poll. Trine is another important contender in the MIAA race, even though it has not been ranked in the same national Top 25 polls.
Why Has Calvin Improved So Quickly?
Several factors appear to be contributing to the Knights' rapid development:
• Experience: Players who have spent time together in the program are becoming more comfortable with the demands of college football.
• Coaching: Trent Figg and his staff have been building the program's culture, recruiting, and systems from the beginning.
• Offensive production: Calvin's fast-paced, no-huddle offense has put considerable pressure on opposing defenses.
• Returning talent: The Knights have returning starters and experienced players who can execute the system more effectively.
The next step is to demonstrate that Calvin can beat the strongest teams in its conference and compete with the nation's elite Division III programs.
Three Crucial Games Remain
The regular season is approaching its decisive stretch:
• Saturday, October 31, 1 p.m. :
Calvin at Trine University
in Angola, Indiana.
• Saturday, November 7, 1 p.m. :
Hope College at Calvin in
Grand Rapids, Michigan.
• Saturday, November 14, 1 p.m. :
Calvin at Alma College in
Alma, Michigan.
The October 31 game against Trine is a major test. Calvin defeated Trine 34–31 in 2025, so the Knights have already shown that they can compete with the Thunder. Trine will have home-field advantage this time.
The November 7 matchup against Hope could be even more significant. Hope is nationally ranked and undefeated, making this one of the most anticipated games of Calvin's season. A victory would strengthen Calvin's case as a genuine MIAA title contender and could improve its national standing.
The final game at Alma will also matter as Calvin seeks to finish its conference schedule strongly.
Could Calvin Reach the Division III Playoffs?
Yes. NCAA Division III football has a national playoff tournament, with automatic bids for conference champions and at-large selections for qualifying teams. Calvin's position in the national rankings and the Division III National Power Index makes its remaining games especially important.
The Knights are not merely trying to improve their record. They have an opportunity to establish themselves as a serious contender in the MIAA and potentially earn a place in the national playoff field.
The MIAA has a history of championship success. Albion College won the NCAA Division III national championship in 1994, defeating Washington & Jefferson 38–15 in the Stagg Bowl. That achievement demonstrates that a program from Calvin's conference can reach the top of Division III football.
The Big Question
Can Calvin turn its undefeated start into an MIAA championship and a successful national playoff run?
The Knights have already accomplished something remarkable by becoming nationally ranked in only their third varsity season. But the upcoming games against Trine and Hope will provide a much clearer measure of how far this young program has come.
For Calvin supporters, the next three Saturdays could be the most important stretch in the program's short history.
Go Knights!
https://calvinknights.com/sports/football/schedule/2026
