Indianapolis Capitols Building Toward 2027: New Branding, Key Hires, and a Familiar Rivalry on the Horizon
The Continental Football League continues to expand its footprint, and one of its most historic franchises is making serious moves. The Indianapolis Capitols, the same organization that defeated the original San Antonio Toros in the dramatic 1969 CoFL championship game, are officially preparing for their modern return in May 2027—and recent announcements show a franchise focused on strong leadership and clear identity (Indianapolis Capitols, 2026a; Indianapolis Capitols, 2026b; Indianapolis Capitols, 2026c).
On August 7, the Capitols announced the hiring of Grant Gremel as Chief Financial Officer. Gremel, a former Indiana University quarterback with an MBA and financial background, will also join the front office as a minority owner. The move signals an emphasis on sound business operations as the club builds toward its first season in the rebooted league (Indianapolis Capitols, 2026a).
Three days later, the team unveiled its new branding. The official logo features the Indiana State Capitol dome paired with bold “Indianapolis Capitols” lettering and a football element, set in navy blue, light blue, and white. The announcement declared “A new era is here” and confirmed the team will begin play in May 2027 (Indianapolis Capitols, 2026b).
The biggest splash came on August 13. The Capitols named former Indianapolis Colts kicker Mike Vanderjagt as Head Coach and General Manager. “Welcome home, Mike Vanderjagt!” the team posted, highlighting the local connection for a player who spent the bulk of his NFL career in Indianapolis and remains a recognizable name among Colts fans (Indianapolis Capitols, 2026c).
For San Antonio Toros fans, the Capitols’ return carries special historical weight. In December 1969, the original Capitols edged the Toros 44–38 in sudden-death overtime to claim the Continental Cup at Bush Stadium in Indianapolis. That game remains one of the most memorable moments in the original CoFL’s short history. More than five decades later, both franchises are active again in the modern league, setting up the possibility of future matchups between two clubs with shared history (Continental Football League, 2026).
The combination of experienced football leadership in Vanderjagt, financial expertise from Gremel, and fresh branding shows the Capitols are taking a deliberate approach to their 2027 launch. As the CoFL grows, developments like these strengthen the overall product and create more compelling storylines across the league.
Toros fans will be watching closely. A rematch of that 1969 classic—updated for a new generation—would be a highlight for everyone involved in the Continental Football League.
Vamos Toros. — SA Snap Count
References
Continental Football League. (2026). Historical records of the 1969 Continental Cup championship.
Indianapolis Capitols [@indycapitols]. (2026a, August 7). The @indycapitols are pleased to announce the hiring of @GrantGremel as Chief Financial Officer. Gremel will also join the front office as a minority owner [Post]. X. https://x.com/indycapitols/status/2085769759728038364
Indianapolis Capitols [@indycapitols]. (2026b, August 10). A new era is here. And with it, new branding! Say hello to the official logo & team colors of the @indycapitols! [Post]. X. https://x.com/indycapitols/status/2086825237757231350
Indianapolis Capitols [@indycapitols]. (2026c, August 13). Welcome home, Mike Vanderjagt! The Indianapolis Capitols are thrilled to announce the former Indianapolis Colts Kicker will serve as Head Coach & General Manager [Post]. X. https://x.com/indycapitols/status/2087881369749762538