Rylan Watkins joined the North Central College football coaching staff prior to the 2026 season as a graduate assistant working with the offensive line.
Watkins played offensive line at DePauw University (Ind.) from 2022 to 2026, starting on the offensive line and contributing on special teams. He helped the Tigers secure three North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Championships and four NCAA playoff appearances, including two runs to the third round. Watkins started 35 consecutive games and earned first team All-NCAC honors twice, second team All-NCAC once, and a D3football.com All-Region selection in his senior year. Watkins served on the Tigers' leadership council all four years as well. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications.
Before arriving at North Central, Watkins gained experience as a defensive line intern at Pike High School (Ind.) and created a Christian-based mentorship program, Trench Made.
He is from Indianapolis, Indiana, and is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at North Central.
