Football Vikings win big with team-first culture

The football Vikings’ season-defining moment came far earlier than anyone expected. By halftime of the first game, five key players were out with injuries.

What happened next set the momentum rolling for a strong 7–3 regular-season run.

“The backups filled in and held it together, and we pulled out a one-point overtime win on the road,” said Steve Bell, head football coach. “I think that game proved that if we work together and don't try to overdo our jobs in moments of adversity, we will be just fine as a team.”

More than “just fine” it turned out. A tough resiliency combined with leadership and talent kept the team on track the entire season, outscoring opponents by 243-123 in games they won. The environment and the players’ belief in the team’s culture played MVP roles.

“The togetherness through any adversity and the not wanting to let down your teammates have helped tremendously,” Coach Bell said. “This has been a very unselfish group, and that usually translates into success.”

In his first year as a Viking, quarterback Jimmy Makuh ’28 created an environment that raised the level of those around him, especially wide receivers Sean Schlanser ’27 and Ethan Vrabec ’27, according to Coach Bell.

Makuh finished third in the CCIW in passing with 229 completions for 2,525 yards and 23 touchdowns. He was second in the conference for total offense with an average of 269 yards per game. Makuh is the first quarterback since 2015 to earn All-Conference honors for the Vikings.

“We had a bunch of young guys have to step up and play key roles, as well some older guys being key players and leaders on this team,” Makuh said. “The coaches did a great job preparing us week to week to put us in the best position possible to win every Saturday.”

Makuh noted that many of the Vikings’ coaches used to play for Augie or coach under Coach Bell, which shows recruits how committed they are to the program. Players share that pride too. Juniors and seniors often talk about their passion for Augie football, reinforcing the strong family atmosphere within the program.

The Vikings capped their 2025 campaign with a close fourth-place finish in the 10-team CCIW, trailing only two DIII nationally ranked teams — North Central College and Wheaton College — and Washington University in St. Louis.

Six players were named CCIW All-Conference for the season: defensive back Toby Splitt ’26, offensive lineman Max Castle ’26, quarterback Jimmy Makuh ’28, wide receiver Sean Schlanser ’27, tight end Jake Miller ’26 and cornerback Darren Oregon ’26.

Despite losing several standout seniors to graduation, the coaches are excited to see what next year brings.

“Each season has its own identity,” said Coach Bell, who has led the Vikings since 2015. “With seniors graduating and new players stepping in, the offseason becomes the proving ground. Our standards stay high, but it’s ultimately up to the players to raise the bar in dedication, work ethic and togetherness to achieve their goals. It’s always exciting to see who puts in the work, grows and emerges ready to lead.”