Valparaiso University

Weston Bridges is entering his first season at Valpo as running backs coach in 2026. 

Bridges served as the running backs coach at the University of Sioux Falls in 2025, overseeing a productive ground attack that rushed for 2,135 yards on 431 attempts led by Bubba Tann III's 938 net rushing yards on the season. Under his guidance, the USF rushing offense averaged 171.8 yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry while totaling 23 rushing touchdowns.

Bridges joined the Sioux Falls coaching staff following a collegiate playing career that spanned both the NCAA Division I and Division II levels. He began his career at Michigan State University, appearing in multiple games during the 2018 season and totaling 53 rushing yards on 16 carries. He later transferred to Ashland University and was a member of the program during the 2020 season, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bridges concluded his collegiate career at the University of Central Missouri, where he served as a key contributor in the Mules' backfield rotation during the 2023 season. He highlighted his senior campaign with a seven-carry, 64-yard performance against Northeastern State.

A native of Akron, Ohio, Bridges enjoyed a decorated prep career at Copley High School. He rushed for 3,583 career yards and 60 touchdowns on 474 carries, adding 63 total touchdowns during his high school career. Bridges earned Associated Press Division II All-Ohio First Team honors twice and was nationally recognized by Scout.com, Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN as one of the country's top running back prospects.

In addition to his all-state accolades, Bridges was a two-time Suburban League American Division Player of the Year and garnered numerous all-region honors throughout his prep career.