VERMILLION, S.D. — Head football coach Matt Vitzthum announced on Wednesday the hiring of Kyle Keeton as the program's next Director of Player Personnel and NFL Liaison heading into the 2026 football season.
 
"We are thrilled to have Kyle join our staff. He brings a wealth of experience in recruiting student-athletes from all over the country," said Vitzthum. "Kyle will be vital to the recruitment and retention of our roster."
 
Keeton spent the last five seasons, in different capacities and roles, at Northern Illinois University. Most recently, for the 2025 season, he served in a similar role for the Huskies and former NIU head coach Thomas Hammock.
 
"I'm thankful to Coach Vitzthum and the entire USD staff for the opportunity to join the program. It was clear there's a strong vision and culture in Vermillion that aligns with the way I believe winning programs are built," said Keeton. "I'm excited to get to work, build relationships throughout the region, and elevate the program any way I can."
 
Since joining the NIU program in August of 2021, Keeton also held titles of Operations and Recruiting Assistant and Assistant Director of Football Operations – Recruiting for the Huskies football program.
 
Keeton earned his degree in mathematical statistics from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater in 2021. He earned his graduate degree in sport management from Northern Illinois in 2023.