DEVELOPING: Colleges' Recruiting Strategies Hinge on Football Addition, Experts Weigh In

BREAKING NEWS Roanoke College Revives Football Program, Joining Dozen Schools Adding Teams Amid Enrollment Concerns SALEM, VA - In a surprise move, Roanoke College has announced the revival of its varsity football program after a 74-year hiatus. The decision comes as part of a broader trend, with over a dozen schools adding football programs in the past two years. The college's administration hopes that having a team will boost enrollment, particularly among men, whose numbers have been declining in higher education. However, experts caution that the impact of football on recruitment is complex and not solely dependent on the sport. Roanoke College's decision to revive its football program follows similar moves by schools such as Hampden-Sydney College and Washington & Lee University. These institutions aim to attract more male students, who are often drawn to colleges with athletic programs. While some experts argue that football can be a valuable recruitment tool, others warn against overemphasizing the sport's role in enrollment decisions. "The relationship between football and recruitment is not as straightforward as it seems," said one expert, noting that other factors such as academic reputation, location, and campus culture also play significant roles. As Roanoke College prepares for its inaugural season, administrators will closely monitor the program's impact on enrollment numbers. The college has set a goal of increasing male student enrollment by 20% within the next two years. This is a developing story. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Npr.*