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Nickels Coach Kyle Barnes Named to AFCA 35 Under 35
12/8/2025 12:30:00 PM | Football
HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison nickels coach Kyle Barnes has been selected to the 2026 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, as announced Monday by the American Football Coaches Association.
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The 35 Under 35 is a prestigious program designed to identify and develop premier, future leaders in the football coaching profession.
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In his two seasons with JMU, he's mentored all-conference nickel DJ Barksdale into one of the top defensive backs in all of the Group of Six. Barksdale was named a Third Team All-Sun Belt Conference selection this season and was the 2024 Boca Raton Bowl Defensive MVP, as well as the 2024 JMU Unsung Hero recipient.
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This season, his nickels room has combined for three tackles for loss, three interceptions, including one pick-six and 13 pass breakups. They are part of a defense that ranks second nationally in total defense (247.6) and 10th in scoring defense (15.8).
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Barnes and other participants are invited to attend the one-day institute that features a curriculum of interactive lectures focused on topics specifically tailored to emphasize leadership in the coaching profession, ethics, influential responsibilities, career progression, and family balance. Members become a part of a prestigious network of rising coaches in the profession, along with many other great benefits.Â
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To be eligible, applicants must be 35 years old or younger on January 1st of that year's AFCA national convention and must be currently serving as a high school head coach, a two-year college full-time assistant or head coach, or an NAIA/NCAA (all divisions) full-time assistant or head coach.
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The 35 Under 35 is a prestigious program designed to identify and develop premier, future leaders in the football coaching profession.
Â
In his two seasons with JMU, he's mentored all-conference nickel DJ Barksdale into one of the top defensive backs in all of the Group of Six. Barksdale was named a Third Team All-Sun Belt Conference selection this season and was the 2024 Boca Raton Bowl Defensive MVP, as well as the 2024 JMU Unsung Hero recipient.
Â
This season, his nickels room has combined for three tackles for loss, three interceptions, including one pick-six and 13 pass breakups. They are part of a defense that ranks second nationally in total defense (247.6) and 10th in scoring defense (15.8).
Â
Barnes and other participants are invited to attend the one-day institute that features a curriculum of interactive lectures focused on topics specifically tailored to emphasize leadership in the coaching profession, ethics, influential responsibilities, career progression, and family balance. Members become a part of a prestigious network of rising coaches in the profession, along with many other great benefits.Â
Â
To be eligible, applicants must be 35 years old or younger on January 1st of that year's AFCA national convention and must be currently serving as a high school head coach, a two-year college full-time assistant or head coach, or an NAIA/NCAA (all divisions) full-time assistant or head coach.
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Players Mentioned
NICKEL
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