Matthew Rahn Named 2025 NJCAA DIII Football Coach of the Year
Charlotte, NC – At the front of a college football empire is a head coach who has led an unstoppable team that has yet to succumb to failure. After another incredible season, Matthew Rahn of the College of DuPage has been named the 2025 NJCAA DIII Football Coach of the Year.
Since the beginning of Division III NJCAA Football, Rahn has brought the Chaparrals to the highest level of victory, leading them to five consecutive national championship titles. Over the last five years, DuPage has registered a record of 48-8, losing only three games in the last two years. In 2025, the Chaparrals finished the season 8-2.
College of DuPage athletic director Ryan Kaiser had this to say about Matthew: "Sustaining success in college football requires more than talent—it requires culture, and that is something that Coach Rahn implements every single day. Five straight national championships are the result of student-athletes buying into College of DuPage values, developing on and off the field, and holding each other accountable every day. At the collegiate level, consistency is the ultimate challenge. This fifth straight national championship reflects the dedication of our student-athletes, the hard work and leadership from our head football coach, the support of our university, and a program built to last. I could not be more proud of Coach Rahn, Coach Cipriano our Associate Head Coach, and the rest of the College of DuPage football staff."
The 2025 National Championship showcased another strong performance for the Chaparrals. In the title game, DuPage faced off against No. 2 North Dakota SCS. Under Rahn's coaching staff and leadership, the Chaparrals came back from a 7-0 deficit early on in the game. They took control from there on out and scored 22 unanswered to gain a 22-7 lead going into halftime. Not slowing down the entire game, DuPage closed out the championship with a score of 36-13 to give them their fifth title in as many years.
Taking home the 2025 Coach of the Year award, Rahn has now earned four NJCAA Coach of the Year awards over the last five years. Between his coaching style and tangible success, Rahn will be seeing more awards in his future as DuPage continues to hone their methods and make their mark as an unstoppable powerhouse program.