WACO, Texas – Texas State tight ends coach Will Bryant has been selected for the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, the American Football Coaches Association announced Monday.

The event is a one-day event designed to identify and train rising leaders in the game of football and the coaching professions. The institute features interactive lectures on topics that include ethics, leadership, NCAA rules, the hiring process, and athlete safety. To be eligible, applicants must be 35 or under on January 1 2026, and be a full-time assistant or head coach at Divisions I, II, III, NAIA, JC institutions; or a high school head coach.

Under Bryant's leadership, TXST tight ends in 2025 made significant contributions to the TXST offense. Titus Lyons, who was a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy and a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, led the group with 94 receiving yards and three touchdowns and was named All-Sun Belt Conference Honorable Mention.

The Bobcats finished the regular season eighth nationally in total offense and 17th in scoring offense.

With the American Football Coaches Foundation's involvement, The AFCA created a prestigious program aimed at identifying and developing premier, future leaders in the football coaching profession. Selected 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.