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James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
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.
The 35 Under 35 is a prestigious program designed to identify and develop premier, future leaders in the football coaching profession.
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.
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).
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.
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.
The 35 Under 35 is a prestigious program designed to identify and develop premier, future leaders in the football coaching profession.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Players Mentioned
NICKEL
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