Roanoke Football Is Back — For Real This Time (7-18-25)
By: Joey Raymond
Headline Photo Credit: Katie Raymond-LMS Network
For the first time since 1942, Roanoke College takes the field this fall as a full varsity football program.
Last season’s 4-0 club campaign was more than just a tune-up — it was a statement. A team made up entirely of freshmen laid the foundation, closed out with a thrilling 35-28 win over Fork Union, and made it clear: this group isn’t here just to participate. They came to compete.
A Team Built on Vision, Not Flash
Now, the Maroons officially join the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Ten games. Five at home. Real Saturdays in the fall, with real stakes — and Salem Stadium as the backdrop.
Head coach Bryan Stinespring knows what’s coming. The former Virginia Tech assistant understands what it means to build something from scratch. His team? Built with no tradition to lean on, no uniforms to pose in during recruiting visits, no hype — just belief. Now, those players will take the field not as a club, but as a conference competitor.
“This group, which makes them special — it wasn’t what they saw. It’s what they could see in front of them,” Stinespring said.
That belief paid off. Quarterback Blake Moore showed he’s built for pressure, leading game-winning drives and building strong chemistry with playmakers like Khamari Garner, Purcel Turner, and Ethan Graves. Garner, in particular, developed into a reliable deep threat, while Tyson Miller gave the run game teeth with physicality and vision. On defense, Gavin Thomson set the tone early and often up front, and Tandom Smith brought energy and leadership from the linebacker spot.
Youth Movement: No Excuses, Just Opportunity
Of course, the roster is still young — almost entirely freshmen and sophomores. And the jump to Division III will be real. Bigger bodies. Smarter schemes. More experienced opponents. But this team has already embraced that challenge.
“We’re young across the board. It is what it is. That’s not going to be a crutch for us,” said Stinespring.
Linebacker Tandom Smith echoed that mindset:
“We’re coming in ready to go. Everybody’s locked in. This isn’t high school ball anymore.”
The players have bought into the offseason, building strength, sharpening mental focus, and tightening team chemistry. Wide receiver Khamari Garner summed it up:
“Everything is clicking now. We can play with confidence.”
A Season of Firsts — and Foundations
The Maroons kick off the 2025 season at home on September 6 against Virginia University of Lynchburg. Other highlights on the schedule include a conference opener against Gallaudet on September 27 and home games versus Randolph-Macon, Shenandoah, and Guilford. The team also hits the road for matchups with Greensboro, Bridgewater, Hampden-Sydney, W&L, and Averett.
There will be adversity. There will be growing pains. But if last year’s finish was any indication, there will also be grit, late-game magic, and a group of guys ready to make history — one Saturday at a time.
2025 Schedule Highlights
Sept. 6: vs. Virginia University of Lynchburg – Program’s first varsity game in 83 years
Sept. 13: at Greensboro College – First road test of the season
Sept. 27: vs. Gallaudet University – ODAC opener at home
Oct. 4: vs. Randolph-Macon – Defending ODAC champs come to Salem
Oct. 11: at Bridgewater College
Oct. 18: vs. Shenandoah University
Oct. 25: at Hampden-Sydney College
Nov. 1: vs. Guilford College – Home finale under the lights (6 PM)
Nov. 8: at Washington & Lee University
Nov. 15: at Averett University – Regular season finale
