Valpo Football’s Tyler Eberhart ’24, ’25 MBA, is a Beacon of Servant-Leadership

From the very beginning, fifth-year student-athlete Tyler Eberhart ’24, ’25 MBA, brought a big game from his Ohio hometown to Valpo’s campus. His natural calling to leadership has transcended both field and classroom, setting him on a path of servant-leadership that will leave its mark on Valpo’s football program for years to come. 

Tyler’s journey with football kicked off at just seven years old; at eleven, competing at the collegiate level as an offensive lineman was at the top of his to-do list. “Me and my dad would watch early signing day together and see where all the big commits were heading to school. We talked about it as a goal of mine,” Tyler reminisces. When the time for a college choice neared, the path ahead was illuminated. “I wanted Division I football mixed with a great mechanical engineering program. Valpo was the perfect fit.” 

By the beginning of his senior year, Tyler was living at the height of Valpo’s student-athlete experience: excelling on the College of Engineering Dean’s List, taking on two intensive internships with steel company Cleveland Cliffs, being named Collegiate Male Student-Athlete of the Year by The Leadership Playbook, and even being voted team captain by his fellow football players. Then, during the first game of the 2023–2024 season, he tore his bicep in a season-ending injury.

“When I tore my bicep and wasn’t able to play my senior year, that was very tough for me,” Tyler shares. But, looking back, he wouldn’t change a thing. “Really, I don’t like to focus on that night too much. It was a temporary setback. I’ve grown from it, I’ve gained a new perspective on the game, and if I had to do it all over again, I would. My playing career is not forever, and that moment has really given me the chance to cherish it.”

While Tyler may not have seen action on the field during his senior year, he did not leave his team’s side. “It’s like a brotherhood. All of those guys were there for me every step of the way. Even after I got injured week one, I couldn’t just abandon my leadership role,” he says. “My team voted me captain and I had every intention of staying locked in and to make sure we were on the best path forward as a team. It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself — about ‘we’ over ‘me’; the team is paramount. Being voted team captain is one the biggest honors I have ever received.”

The same commitment to the success of his team led Tyler to compete alongside them for one more season. “Valpo football has helped me grow to be a better man. Of course we’re here to win football games, but part of the college football experience is growing as a person,” Tyler explains. “Coming back for another year to play for Valpo was an easy decision.”

Now, going into his final season of collegiate football, Tyler has his sights set high, with goals to win the league and enter the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). All — in true Tyler fashion — while earning his master of business administration (MBA) from Valpo’s College of Business. 

Pursuing an MBA might seem like an odd choice for a mechanical engineer by school and trade, but to Tyler, it’s all part of a bigger vision. Inspired by his mom who has done incredible work with nonprofits back home, Tyler plans to translate his graduate degree into law school and become an intellectual property and patent attorney. Next on the list: running for local office as a public servant — starting in his hometown. “I really want to start local and give back to the community that helped raise me. They turned me into the man I am today,” Tyler says. “That’s a very big thing for me: giving back to my hometown.”We’re so proud of Tyler’s journey of perseverance, servant-leadership, and strength — and can’t wait to see all that he accomplishes in the years to come. From Brown Field to his hometown, we know he’ll be radiating the same faith, commitment, and passion that has moved our entire campus community. To follow in Tyler’s footsteps, begin your journey in Valpo Athletics and our College of Engineering or College of Business.