Behind the Blueprint: Tyler Wrice, General Manager, South Dakota State University

In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Wrice, the first-ever GM at South Dakota State, to break down his unconventional path from high school coach to leading roster strategy at the FCS level. Tyler shares how evaluating raw movement and long-term development at the high school level shaped his approach to talent identification, and what changed when he stepped into a role defined by urgency, roster construction, and constant decision-making. He dives into how playing experience influences roster building, why South Dakota State prioritizes high school development over a portal-heavy approach, and how to balance production vs. potential in today’s recruiting landscape. Tyler also unpacks what it means to “build the plane while flying it” as a first-time GM, the importance of culture and fit, and why mental health and the human side of athletes are often overlooked in the broader conversation around college football. Before we dive in, hear from our partner Coach Portal, a platform built by coaches for coaches to simplify the job search process and help you stay connected to real opportunities across the coaching landscape.