Following the Pioneer Football League Presidents Council announcement on Monday, the Valparaiso University football program has announced its intention to participate in the 2021 spring season.

“We are extremely excited to give our student-athletes an opportunity to compete this spring,” head coach Landon Fox said. “The No. 1 priority is the health and safety of everyone involved. If we can do so in a safe manner, I am thrilled for our student-athletes to receive the chance to play. I would like to thank Director of Athletics Mark LaBarbera and Interim President Colette Irwin-Knott for helping make this plan possible. Our student-athletes have been mature and flexible during an unprecedented fall season, and we’re grateful that we can reward them for their patience on Saturdays this spring.”   

The PFL plans to begin a six-game season on March 13 that runs through April 17. The model gives members institutions the chance to earn a PFL championship and the automatic qualifying berth to the NCAA FCS Playoffs.

“Since the beginning of the current school year, a top priority has been exploring all opportunities for conducting athletics competitions in a manner that safeguards health and supports the Valpo experience of our student-athletes,” LaBarbera said. “Working closely with the PFL’s presidents, we are excited to have determined a plan for a six-game regular season schedule that will provide those meaningful opportunities to our student-athletes. We recognize the importance of game competition and are committed to keeping that aspect of the student-athlete experience intact as long as we can do so in a safe manner. I’m proud of the continued patience and resilience displayed by Valpo student-athletes, coaches and staff members amidst the unique challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.”