Stillman College bringing back football program after more than a decade

For the first time in more than a decade, the Stillman College Tigers will be back on the football field.

The college announced the news this month, saying further announcements on coaching staff, roster and future schedule will be announced at a later date. Stillman did not immediately make it clear what season the Tigers would return to the field.

“Football has a special place in the history and spirit of Stillman College. As we celebrate 150 years of educating students and transforming lives, we are also looking boldly toward the next 150 years. The return of football is an opportunity to strengthen the student experience, reconnect generations of Stillman alumni, and create new energy and opportunities for our campus and the Tuscaloosa community.”

Dr. Yolanda W. Page, President of Stillman College

History of Stillman Tigers football

Stillman is celebrating 150 years as an institution but football has had just a small part of that history.

The program was originally created in 1922, playing games until the 1950s. It was reinstated again in 1999, compiling an 89-86 record over the next 17 seasons before being discontinued after the 2015 season.

Stillman moved up from a Division III Independent program to Division II and joined the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

“The return of Tiger football represents more than the revival of an athletic program. It reflects Stillman’s commitment to enhancing the student experience, supporting enrollment growth, strengthening alumni engagement, and creating new opportunities for community partnership as the College honors its legacy while building for the future.”

Stillman College

The program previously sent four players to the NFL including:

• Junior Galette: New Orleans Saints (2010-16), Washington Redskins (2017)
• Sammie Lee Hill: Detroit Lions (2009-12), Tennessee Titans (2013-15)
• Brian Witherspoon: Jacksonville (2008-09), Detroit (2009), New York Giants (2010-2012, Super Bowl XLVI Champion)
• Quinn Porter: St. Louis Rams (2011)

What comes next for Stillman?

Stillman hopes reinstating the program will build upon the legacy while establishing a model focused on academic achievement, athlete development and competitive excellence.

The school also pointed to strengthening campus life for all students along with promoting more alumni engagement and corporate partnerships.

“This is about much more than what happens on Saturday afternoons. We have an opportunity to build a football program that reflects the values of Stillman College and develops students academically, athletically, and personally. We are excited about what this means for our students, alumni, and supporters.”

Terrance Whittle, Director of Athletics at Stillman College

In the coming months, Stillman College is expected engage alumni, donors, businesses and community partners in supporting the return of football. Additional announcements regarding coaching leadership, recruitment, schedules and facilities will be shared at a later date.