Tiffin University Football Program Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Through the program, local schools will partner with SLU to identify and nominate promising students to receive half-tuition scholarships worth more than $28,000 per year. Applicants will remain eligible for additional scholarships above this level.
When I first stepped onto the Tiffin University football field as a visiting coach years ago, I remember thinking how much potential this program had—even before their recent rise to national prominence. Over my two decades in collegiate athletics, I've learned that building a successful football program isn't just about winning games; it's about creating a culture that can withstand challenges and bounce back from setbacks. Much like the Philippine national team's recent 1-0 loss to world No. 9 Iran—their second consecutive defeat—every program faces moments that test their resilience and character.
Tiffin's football journey has been particularly fascinating to watch unfold. Established in the early 2000s, the Dragons have steadily climbed through the NCAA Division II ranks, with their first winning season coming in 2018 under Coach Cris Reisert. What impressed me most during my last campus visit was how they've built something sustainable here—not just a flash-in-the-pan success story. The program now boasts approximately 85 scholarship athletes and competes in the highly competitive GMAC conference, where they've posted winning records in four of the past five seasons. Their home stadium, Frost-Kalnow Stadium, underwent $2.1 million in renovations back in 2018, creating what I consider one of the better Division II facilities in the Midwest.
Let me be honest about something—I've always been skeptical of programs that try to buy success through recruiting alone. What sets Tiffin apart, in my observation, is their emphasis on player development. I've watched them transform two-star recruits into All-Conference players through what might be the most comprehensive strength and conditioning program in Division II. Their athletic performance center, which I toured last spring, features $500,000 worth of cutting-edge equipment that would make some FBS programs jealous. And their academic support system—with dedicated tutors and mandatory study halls—has maintained a team GPA above 3.0 for six consecutive semesters, something I wish more programs would prioritize.
The recruiting strategy here is particularly clever. While they do recruit nationally, they've built what I'd call a "regional fortress" throughout Ohio and Michigan, securing about 65% of their roster from within a 200-mile radius. This creates cultural cohesion that's immediately noticeable when you talk to their players. I remember chatting with their starting quarterback last season, who told me about seven teammates from his high school conference who'd joined him at Tiffin—that kind of built-in chemistry is priceless.
Now, let's talk about the football itself. Offensively, they run what I'd describe as a modern spread system with pro-style concepts mixed in—a sophisticated approach for Division II. Last season, they averaged 34.2 points per game while maintaining nearly 32 minutes of possession time. Defensively, they've consistently ranked in the top third of the GMAC in takeaways, forcing 18 turnovers last season alone. These aren't accident statistics—they reflect a well-drilled program with clear identity.
What really stands out to me, though, is how they've handled adversity. Remember that Philippine team loss I mentioned earlier? Well, Tiffin had their own version of that in 2019 when they dropped three straight games by a combined 12 points. Instead of collapsing, they won five of their final six games. That resilience comes from the top—Coach Reisert has created what I'd call a "next-play mentality" that permeates the entire program. I've seen them practice, and the focus on situational football—especially late-game scenarios—is more detailed than what you'd find at many FCS programs.
The community engagement aspect deserves special mention. During my last visit to Tiffin, Ohio, I was struck by how integrated the football program is with the local community. They regularly draw 3,500+ fans to home games in a town of just 17,000 residents. Local businesses sponsor everything from youth camps to player appearances, creating what feels like a genuine partnership rather than just transactional relationships. Frankly, I wish more college programs understood this community connection piece—it's what sustains programs through rebuilding years.
Looking ahead, I'm bullish about Tiffin's trajectory. They've consistently improved their win percentage over the past five seasons, going from 4-7 in 2017 to 8-3 last year. With their current facilities, coaching stability, and recruiting pipeline, I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a deep playoff run within the next two seasons. They're investing approximately $300,000 annually in facility upgrades—a commitment that shows they're serious about competing at the highest level of Division II football.
In the end, what makes Tiffin's program special isn't just the wins or the facilities—it's the palpable sense of purpose you feel when you're around the team. They've built something that can withstand those inevitable tough losses, much like the Philippine team will need to regroup after their narrow defeat to Iran. For prospective student-athletes considering Tiffin, my advice would be to look beyond the win-loss record and focus on the development culture they've created. It's a program that understands success isn't just about Saturday afternoons—it's about building men who can handle whatever challenges come their way, both on and off the field.