While the changes across the college football landscape have been vast, Hawkeye Football has stayed true to the pillars behind its success. Contributors often discussed as the program’s pillars include solid play in all three phases of the game, development of players, and recruitment of players who fit the coaching staff’s philosophy. By staying true to these pillars, Hawkeye Football was recognized by Stewart Mandel of The Athletic as one of the top 25 programs of the last 25 years, with support for the recognition provided by SI.com’s Jacob Harrison.

One constant for Hawkeye Football related to the recruitment of players is Tyler Barnes (MA 2011). He began work with Hawkeye Football in 2009 as a student assistant, became a graduate assistant in 2011, and was promoted to a full-time role in 2012. In 2013, Barnes transitioned to Vanderbilt Football for three seasons before returning to Hawkeye Football in 2016. After Tyler’s return to Iowa City, Hawkeye Football’s current Chief of Staff/General Manager has established himself as one of the top roster builders in college football according to SI.com’s Greg Patuto.

In addition to Tyler’s professional success, he is also a championship-caliber mentor to aspiring college football coaches and football program professional staff. Thus, UISRM recognized Tyler as a Dr. Michael Teague All-Star Award recipient on September 14, 2025 at the UISRM Program Celebration. The award is given to exceptional alumni, faculty, and/or friends of the program for their significant contributions to UISRM and/or the sport and recreation industry.

Current UISRM MA student, Sam Kringlen (ex. MA 2025) began working under Tyler with Hawkeye Football in May 2024. In his role, Sam is responsible for researching prospect information, assisting with operations of on-campus visits, and helps coordinate Iowa coaches travel to prospect high schools. Of what Tyler has provided to Sam throughout his time with Hawkeye Football, Sam has this to say:

Tyler is a great mentor that has helped me see the bigger picture in a prospect's timeline of development from high school throughout his collegiate career. His knowledge of what characteristics it takes to succeed as a football player have allowed me to better understand what to look for when searching for and evaluating talent.

At the celebration, Jack Degan (MA 2025) and Lane Sobieski (MA 2024) were able to share their experiences working with and learning from Tyler. Lane shared this with celebration attendees:

Congratulations to Tyler on being recognized as a Dr. Michael Teague All-Star Award recipient. UISRM and its students are fortunate to call you an alumnus of the program, and we are deeply grateful for your continued mentorship to the next generation of college football front office professionals. On a personal note, I am beyond grateful for the opportunity that Tyler has given me. I’ve learned countless life lessons from him — especially the importance of humility and understanding that no job is ever bigger than yourself or the team. Tyler is truly one of the best GMs in the nation. 

Congratulations to Tyler Barnes on his recognition as a Dr. Michael Teague All-Star Award recipient. UISRM and its students are grateful to call you an alum of the program and thankful for your mentorship to college football’s next generation of front office professionals.