As the field begins to defrost, the Eureka College football program is beginning its preparations for the 2026 fall season. Eureka College athletics continues to play an important role in campus life, bringing students, alumni, and members of the surrounding community together through competition and school pride. At the center of that tradition is the football program, which embraces its identity as the underdog.

Eureka College football is often seen as a place to play the sport you love while learning alongside students from all walks of life. On Saturday nights, players lace up their cleats with one goal in mind as the team is in the middle of a period of transition. That mission has not changed, according to head coach Dion Jordan.

“I’m trying to wake Eureka up as far as giving kids opportunities to come here, go to school, and play this game right and get better,” Jordan said.

The coaching staff is eager to support not only the athlete, but also the student in their journey through college sports. As the program continues to grow under new leadership, the players themselves remain at the heart of that development. Jordan has emphasized building opportunity and culture within the program.

While Jordan is focused on building opportunities, players say they are already seeing that vision take shape.

Returning student-athletes chose Eureka and have decided to stay for a variety of reasons. Quvione Mitchell and Will Watkins are both returning players enthusiastic about the upcoming season.

“I chose Eureka College because I felt like it was a good opportunity to change my life from where I was and what I was originally doing after I left my first school,” Watkins said.

Watkins expressed confidence in the team’s growth for the upcoming season. “I feel like we’ve come together and built a family. It could be better, but I feel like we’re still building. And I feel like this year is where things are going to take off,” Watkins said.

Through challenges, the coaching staff remains focused on rebuilding the program with both short-term and long-term goals in mind. Jordan emphasized preparation and mental development as a start to achieving goals.

“I think our short-term goals have been simple,” Jordan said. “Get these guys prepared and ready to do well in school. Make sure these young men’s mentals are right. When you’re mentally locked in, everything else becomes easier. It’s easier to succeed when your mind is clear and you know you have people here who love and support you. Right now, it’s about continuing to make progress.”

D line Coach Patrick Jordan outlined five core priorities he believes are essential to the program’s growth.

“Your safety  when kids come here, I want them to know they’re safe. I want them to know that they’re safe on campus, on this team, in our locker room, among us coaches. Next, I want them to know that they’re here to get an education. First and foremost, get your education. I mean, football was cool and all, but get your education before you can graduate and succeed in life. Next, your health. I don’t want guys out there playing when they’re hurt, trying to cover up an injury. Get their injury treated before they can get back on the field 100 percent, because I don’t want them playing halfway injured, didn’t fully injured, and making it worse. Then I want to go to getting them proven that football works with your skill set. That’s what it comes down to  just getting better at football, getting better at football. And in the process of doing that, we can win some games.”

Mitchell kept his message to the community simple, emphasizing the change the program is undergoing. “Hashtag Trust the Process. Trust the process. We are a family. It’s kind of hard, but we are a family. If you come to this program and you’ve got Coach Deon, Coach Ram, Coach Pops all here, they’re going to take care of you. They’re going to make sure you’re on the right track to succeed in life as a man and as a human being.”

Head coach Jordan echoed that message of unity and support. “We do football here in Eureka. Regardless of how you see it, we do ball here. We love and support our kids, and we would love that same type of feel from you guys. You’ll see our faces around, doing as much as we can to help with the humanity part of everything and community service. We want you. We love y’all. Go support us. So thank you guys for your time. Go Red Devils.”