Can Division III football keep pace with the ever-changing landscape of college football?
In this episode of DingoTalk: From the Sidelines, we’re joined by three outstanding Division III head coaches for a candid conversation about the biggest challenges—and biggest opportunities—facing the game today.
🏈 Brant McAdams – Pacific Lutheran University
🏈 Jason Couch – Alma College
🏈 Mike Palazzo – Montclair State University
Together, they tackle one central question:
👉 Can Division III Football Keep Up With Modern College Football?
From recruiting battles to postseason structure, this roundtable explores where the division stands today and where it may be headed.
🏆 Recruiting & Retention in 2026
• What does recruiting look like in today’s environment?
• How has the landscape changed over the past several years?
• Are student-athletes approaching Division III differently?
• Why are players leaving programs?
• Has retaining your roster become more difficult than recruiting new talent?
The coaches also discuss player development, keeping depth players engaged, and recognizing the warning signs before athletes decide to leave.
🏆 Building Players: Development, Spring Ball & Redshirts
• Were the coaches surprised the redshirt proposal didn’t pass?
• Would redshirts improve player development and retention?
• Should Division III embrace a more robust spring football model?
• Would additional football opportunities strengthen programs—or create greater separation between them?
🏆 Playoffs & the Future of Division III Football
• Should the NCAA expand the Division III playoff field?
• Does the current system provide enough national access?
• How can the game continue to grow without losing what makes Division III unique?
• If each coach could make one structural change tomorrow, what would it be?
Plus, don’t miss our Lightning Round, featuring rapid-fire opinions on:
⚡ Redshirts
⚡ Playoff expansion
⚡ Recruiting vs. retention
⚡ One immediate change they’d make
⚡ One word that defines the future of Division III football
We close with one final question:
“What should Division III football look like five years from now?”
Whether you’re a coach, player, recruit, parent, alumnus, or lifelong #d3fb fan, this conversation provides valuable insight into the future of Division III football from three coaches leading successful programs.
💬 Join the conversation in the comments! What changes do you believe Division III football should make over the next five years?
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