In a significant shift in the collegiate football landscape, Matt Walker, the esteemed head coach of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) football team, is heading to Drake University. This move follows a historic season where he led UWRF to its inaugural NCAA Division III National Championship, marking a remarkable achievement in the team’s history.
Under Walker’s leadership, UWRF witnessed a landmark victory, clinching their first national title after not having reached the playoffs since 1996. His transition to Drake University will introduce him to the challenges and opportunities in Division I football.
Reflecting on his journey, Walker expressed a deep commitment to the program he leaves behind. “I’ve given everything I had to UWRF and feel good about leaving it in a better place than we found it,” he remarked in a statement.
Walker, who started his tenure as head coach in 2011, significantly transformed the culture and performance of the UWRF football team. It was not until 2021 that the team began to see notable success, achieving nine wins that season and capturing back-to-back Isthmus Bowl titles, which propelled them into the spotlight.
“He created a culture of pride and excellence within the team, and reengaged generations of Falcon alumni,” noted UW-River Falls athletics director Crystal Lanning in a statement.
Walker’s impressive tenure at UWRF culminated in the 2025 national championship victory, earning him accolades such as the D3football.com Coach of the Year and the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.
In a recent interview, Walker opened up about the emotional impact of winning the championship, stating that the victory was for all the athletes who had dedicated themselves to the team’s growth over the years, even during the challenging seasons.
At Drake University, Walker takes over a team with a strong track record, having secured the last three conference titles. “We are thrilled to welcome Matt Walker and his family to Drake and Des Moines,” expressed Drake University Athletics Director Brian Hardin in a statement. “Matt inherited a program routinely at the bottom of its conference and turned it into one of the best programs in the country.”
