The Non-Scholarship Powerhouse: 5 Shocking Facts About Drake University Football’s Division I FCS Status
Drake University football operates in one of the most unique and competitive landscapes in college athletics: the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). This classification immediately sets the program apart from the larger, more visible Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools, yet it places the Drake Bulldogs in the same tier as national powerhouses like North Dakota State and James Madison. The most astonishing fact, which defines the entire program, is that the Bulldogs compete at this high level as a non-scholarship team, a commitment that makes their recent success—including a 2024 conference title—a truly remarkable achievement.
The latest updates, as of late December 2025, confirm Drake’s position in the Pioneer Football League (PFL) and highlight a period of significant transition and triumph. The program is currently celebrating a PFL Championship victory from the 2024 season, which secured an automatic bid to the FCS Playoffs, while simultaneously ushering in a new era with the hiring of Head Coach Joe Woodley. This combination of recent success and a fresh start makes the Drake Bulldogs a fascinating case study in the world of Division I football.
Drake Bulldogs Football: The Division I FCS Non-Scholarship Anomaly
The Drake University football program is classified as NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). This is the second-highest level of college football, sitting just below the FBS. While many of Drake's other athletic teams, such as basketball, compete in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), the football team is a dedicated member of the Pioneer Football League (PFL).
The Bulldogs' affiliation with the PFL is the defining characteristic of their division status. The PFL is a unique, football-only conference established in 1993.
- NCAA Classification: Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision).
- Conference: Pioneer Football League (PFL).
- Home Field: Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa (capacity 14,557).
- The Non-Scholarship Model: The PFL is the nation's only non-scholarship football conference at the Division I level. This means Drake University does not award athletic scholarships (often called "grants-in-aid") to its football players, competing against teams that do.
- Head Coach (2025 Season): Joe Woodley, who took over in 2025 following a successful tenure by previous Head Coach Todd Stepsis.
This non-scholarship status is a massive differentiator. Players are primarily recruited for their academic and athletic abilities, with the financial aid coming through academic and need-based scholarships, not athletic ones. This model attracts a specific type of student-athlete, one who is dedicated to a rigorous academic schedule at Drake while pursuing high-level Division I competition.
The 2024 PFL Championship Triumph and Playoff Experience
The 2024 season stands as a monumental year in the program’s history, showcasing the potential of the non-scholarship model. The Drake Bulldogs finished the season with an 8-3 overall record, capturing the Pioneer Football League outright title and, in doing so, securing the conference’s automatic bid to the FCS Playoffs.
The championship was sealed with a dominant 49-10 victory over Stetson, marking a historic high point for the program. This success was a testament to the leadership of Head Coach Todd Stepsis and the performance of key players who earned significant conference accolades.
Key Player Achievements from the Championship Season
The Bulldogs' success was driven by a core group of talented student-athletes who excelled on both sides of the ball. Their performance not only led to a conference title but also earned them individual recognition, further enhancing the program's reputation.
- Finn Claypool: A defensive standout and the reigning PFL Defensive Player of the Year (2023), Claypool’s consistent performance as a linebacker was central to the team’s defense.
- Dorian Boyland: A critical offensive weapon, Boyland was one of the players named to the Preseason All-PFL team, carrying a significant portion of the rushing load.
- Shane Dunning: Another key defensive player who was recognized on the Preseason All-PFL list, demonstrating the depth of talent on the defensive side.
The automatic bid sent Drake to the FCS Playoffs, where they faced a tough challenge against Tarleton State in the first round. While the playoff run was short, the experience provided invaluable exposure and confirmed the program's standing as the top team in the PFL.
The Pioneer Football League: Drake's Unique Competitive Home
To fully understand Drake’s football division, one must understand the Pioneer Football League (PFL). Drake is a charter member of the PFL, which was founded in 1993 to provide a competitive home for institutions committed to the non-scholarship model.
The conference is a unique collection of strong academic institutions that prioritize a balance of high-level athletics and education. The PFL spans a national footprint, with member schools stretching across the country.
PFL Member Schools and Key Entities
The PFL’s membership list reads like a roster of respected private and public universities, all adhering to the non-scholarship philosophy for football.
- Founding Members: Drake University, Butler University, University of Dayton, and Valparaiso University.
- Current Members (2025): Includes institutions such as Davidson College, Marist University, Morehead State, Presbyterian, St. Thomas (MN), and the University of San Diego.
- Postseason Rules: It is notable that some PFL members, like St. Thomas (MN), are ineligible for the FCS postseason due to their transition from a lower division, which further highlights the competitive nature of the league for teams like Drake.
The PFL champion receives the automatic bid to the 24-team NCAA Division I FCS Championship tournament, giving the Bulldogs a clear path to national competition despite their non-scholarship status.
A New Era: Head Coach Joe Woodley and the 2025 Outlook
Following the championship season, the Drake Bulldogs program entered a new chapter with the appointment of Joe Woodley as the Head Coach, effective for the 2025 season. Woodley brings a wealth of successful coaching experience, having achieved a national championship at the NAIA level with Grand View University, located nearby in Des Moines.
The transition to a new coach, especially one with a proven track record of building winning programs in the local area, injects a new level of excitement and expectation into the Drake football community.
The 2025 schedule has already been partially announced, with the Bulldogs set to open the season against Division II opponent Upper Iowa. The schedule also includes road trips to the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), reinforcing the team’s commitment to challenging non-conference play to prepare for the PFL schedule.
The future of the Drake Bulldogs football program remains firmly rooted in the NCAA Division I FCS, defined by the academic rigor and competitive spirit of the Pioneer Football League. The 2024 PFL title and the arrival of Coach Woodley signal that this non-scholarship powerhouse is poised to continue its unique and successful journey in college football.
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