SMWC Announces Transition to NAIA Football in 2026
The Pomeroys Accepted For Membership In The Mid-States Football Association
Saint Mary of the Woods, IN (07/10/2025) — Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) announced it will transition its sprint football program to full NAIA football beginning with the 2026 season.
"This move reflects our continued commitment to growing opportunities for our students while aligning with our long-term strategic plan," said Brennan Randolph, president of SMWC. "SMWC Football will recruit Indiana heavily, while also maintaining high academic expectations that align with NAIA standards. We're proud to offer a football program that reflects the excellence of our institution and the strength of our mission."
The Pomeroys will compete in the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) as members of the Midwest League, joining a competitive slate of institutions including Marian (Ind.), St. Francis (Ind.), St. Francis (Ill.), Olivet Nazarene (Ill.), Saint Xavier (Ill.) and Judson (Ill.).
"This is a significant moment in our program's evolution and a testament to the commitment of our student-athletes and coaches," said Kevin Lanke, associate vice president for athletics. "The move to NAIA football opens the door to expanded opportunities for competition, exposure and recruitment, while maintaining the values that define SMWC athletics."
The Mid-States Football Association, established in 1994, is one of the premier NAIA football conferences in the nation. The MSFA features 13 teams divided between the Midwest and Mideast Leagues, spanning four states and including institutions located in the metropolitan hubs of Chicago, Detroit and Indianapolis.
"The Mid States Football Association is excited to announce and welcome the addition of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College for MSFA league membership," MSFA Commissioner Ron Korfmacher said. "We welcome Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in this strategic and bold step and are looking forward to a growing and competitive future together."
Each MSFA member plays every team within its own league and participates in crossover contests with opponents from the opposite division. The champion of each league earns an automatic berth to the NAIA Football Championship Series, provided they are ranked among the top 20 in the final NAIA Coaches' Poll.
The MSFA has produced nine NAIA national champions, including Marian (Ind.), Saint Xavier (Ill.) and Saint Francis (Ind.), with six national titles since 2011.
"As president of Marian University and former four-year collegiate football player, I understand well the influence that football plays in a student's development and campus life," Dan Elsener, Chair, MSFA Council of Presidents, said. "As a faith-based institution dedicated to academic excellence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College will be a great addition."
Before making its NAIA debut in 2026, SMWC will compete in its final season of sprint football in 2025 as a member of the Midwest Sprint Football League (MSFL). The Pomeroys, led by Head Coach Blaine Powell, have built a championship pedigree in the MSFL, posting a 20-4 overall record, appearing in three straight MSFL Championship Games and winning the 2022 title. SMWC has also captured three MSFL regular season championships and has never lost a road game under Powell's leadership.
"This program is built on grit, character and belief," said Powell, who enters his fourth season at the helm. "We're incredibly proud of what we've accomplished in sprint football, and we're ready for what's next. We will recruit Indiana hard-because it's home-but we're also going to build a national program that draws talent from across the country. We're going to do things the right way, the Pomeroy way."
Recruiting for the inaugural NAIA roster will begin immediately, with the program slated to debut in fall 2026.
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