At Evangel University, spring football is officially underway with 15 practices spread across five weeks, and the focus is on development, depth, and defining roles early. Head coach and athletic director Chuck Hepola says the roster enters the season with strong continuity, about 90% of players returning, but the program still faces major turnover at key positions, including quarterback, offensive line, and several impact skill roles.
🎧 Tap into the full conversation to hear how Evangel is navigating roster changes and building for the season ahead.

It highlights the reality NAIA programs are facing in today’s transfer portal era. Evangel has seen players move up to Division I opportunities, creating constant roster turnover and forcing programs to rebuild faster than ever. Hepola describes the environment as the “wild west,” where recruiting, retention, and development all intersect, and where programs must be intentional about how they guide athletes through decisions that can shape their future.

There’s also a major infrastructure and identity push happening alongside roster changes. Evangel continues to move forward with plans for a new on-campus stadium designed to elevate the student-athlete experience, strengthen community connection, and potentially host championship-level events. At the same time, the program’s move into the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference has brought both financial benefits through reduced travel and a higher level of weekly competition, helping sharpen the entire athletic department.

Across the board, Evangel athletics is trending upward beyond football. From nationally competitive track and field to strong softball, baseball, and tennis programs, the department is showing depth and consistency across seasons. It’s a snapshot of a program building through change, not avoiding it, and trying to create long-term stability in a rapidly shifting college sports landscape.