Matt Drinkall: Building a Competitive Culture at Central Michigan

Matt Drinkall, the dynamic and innovative football coach, has built a reputation for transforming programs and crafting winning cultures. Now at the helm of Central Michigan’s football program, Drinkall is set on turning the Chippewas into contenders in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and beyond. His approach to recruiting, leadership, and navigating the complexities of modern college football is already capturing the attention of recruits, their families, and the football community.

A Philosophy Rooted in Fit and Character

Drinkall’s recruiting philosophy isn’t about chasing stars or rankings. Instead, it focuses on finding the right fit—athletes who align with the program’s values and culture. “I’m not just looking for great players; I’m looking for great teammates,” Drinkall says. “If you want to build a championship team, you need people who care as much about the guy next to them as they do about themselves.”

This mindset extends beyond the field. Drinkall emphasizes character and work ethic as non-negotiables in his recruits. “We’re going to ask every player: Are you willing to sacrifice for something bigger than yourself? Are you ready to put in the work when no one’s watching?” he explains. “Those are the players who thrive in our program.”

What Drinkall Looks for on Film

When evaluating recruits on film, Drinkall focuses on position-specific traits that align with his team’s philosophy and style of play.

• Quarterbacks: “I’m looking for decision-making, accuracy, and leadership. Arm strength is great, but I want to see how they manage the game and respond under pressure,” he says. “Their ability to process information quickly is critical.”

• Running Backs: “For running backs, it’s about vision, contact balance, and explosiveness,” Drinkall notes. “I want to see if they can create yards after contact and make defenders miss in tight spaces.”

• Wide Receivers: “Route running and ball skills are non-negotiables,” he explains. “But I’m also looking for receivers who block and play with toughness. If you’re not willing to block, you won’t fit here.”

• Offensive Linemen: “It starts with footwork and hand placement,” Drinkall says. “I’m looking for guys who finish blocks and play with a mean streak. Athleticism is key; we want linemen who can move.”

• Defensive Linemen: “Quickness off the ball and the ability to disrupt plays are crucial,” he explains. “I want to see relentless effort and a high motor on every snap.”

• Linebackers: “For linebackers, it’s all about instincts and physicality,” Drinkall says. “I want players who can diagnose plays quickly and fly to the ball. They need to be versatile and able to cover in space.”

• Defensive Backs: “Speed, ball skills, and tackling are the top traits I look for,” he notes. “Defensive backs have to be physical and smart. They’re the last line of defense, so I need to trust them.”

• Special Teams: “For specialists, it’s about consistency and composure,” Drinkall says. “Whether it’s kickers, punters, or returners, I’m looking for players who can perform under pressure.”

Drinkall emphasizes that while physical traits are important, he also pays close attention to effort and demeanor. “You can learn a lot about a player by how they carry themselves on the field,” he says. “Do they finish plays? Do they celebrate their teammates’ success? Those things matter.”

Leveraging NIL and the Transfer Portal

In today’s college football landscape, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal have become game-changers. For a smaller program like Central Michigan, these tools present unique challenges and opportunities. Drinkall is determined to use them strategically to level the playing field.

“NIL isn’t going away, so we’re going to embrace it,” he says. “But we’re going to do it the right way. We’re not promising the moon; we’re promising an environment where players can maximize their value on and off the field.”

Drinkall emphasizes transparency and education when it comes to NIL. “We want our players to understand how to leverage their brand responsibly,” he explains. “Whether it’s working with local businesses or building their social media presence, we’re going to provide them with the tools they need to succeed.”

Regarding the transfer portal, Drinkall views it as both a challenge and an opportunity. “The portal is a double-edged sword,” he admits. “We’re going to lose players sometimes, but we’re also going to gain players who are looking for the right fit. Our focus is on creating a culture so strong that people want to stay and others want to join.”

Drinkall plans to use the portal strategically, targeting players who can make an immediate impact while also fitting seamlessly into the team’s culture. “We’re not just bringing in talent; we’re bringing in the right kind of talent,” he says.

Drawing Inspiration from Past Success

Drinkall brings a wealth of experience from successful stints at other programs, most notably at Army, where he served as tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator. During his time at West Point, he helped instill a culture of discipline, toughness, and accountability. “Army taught me the power of a unified culture,” Drinkall reflects. “When everyone buys in, you can achieve things that might seem impossible.”

He plans to bring that same culture to Central Michigan. “We’re going to build something special here. It starts with trust, respect, and a relentless work ethic,” he says. “We’re not just competing against other teams; we’re competing against complacency.”

A Focus on Development and Growth

For Drinkall, recruiting is just the beginning. He’s passionate about developing players once they arrive on campus. “Recruiting is important, but development is where championships are won,” he explains. “We’re going to make sure every player here reaches their full potential—physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

His staff’s approach to development is holistic, incorporating advanced analytics, modern strength and conditioning techniques, and individualized player plans. “Every player is different, and we’re going to meet them where they are,” Drinkall says. “But one thing is constant: we’re going to push them to be their best every single day.”

Contending with the Powerhouses

The MAC is known for its competitiveness, with programs like Toledo and Northern Illinois regularly vying for conference supremacy. Drinkall, however, welcomes the challenge. “We respect every opponent, but we fear none,” he declares. “Our goal is to be the team that everyone circles on their schedule. We want to be the standard.”

To achieve that, Drinkall emphasizes a game plan that blends physicality and creativity. “We’re going to be a team that’s tough to play against,” he says. “But we’re also going to innovate. We’re not afraid to think outside the box.”

Eyes on the Prize: A Conference Championship

Drinkall’s vision for Central Michigan is clear: winning a MAC championship and establishing the program as a consistent contender. “We’re here to win,” he states bluntly. “But more importantly, we’re here to build something sustainable. We want to set a foundation that lasts.”

That foundation starts with the players he brings in. “I tell recruits all the time: If you’re looking for a place where you can just coast, this isn’t it,” Drinkall says.