(Peru, Neb.)- Peru State College announced today the promotion of Sean Wilkerson to Head Football Coach for the Bobcats after serving as the program's Interim Head Coach. Wilkerson has been a member of the Peru State coaching staff for four seasons and most recently served as the program's Co-Defensive Coordinator.
 
Wilkerson brings a strong background in collegiate football with experience in program building, player development, and recruiting. Known for his emphasis on discipline, accountability, and academic success, he is expected to continue building a competitive and student-centered culture within the Bobcat football program.
 
"It is with great excitement I welcome Sean Wilkerson into the role of Peru State College Head Football coach." said Athletic Director, Glennis Werner. "Sean's years at Peru State showcase his readiness for this next step in his career and for the program. Student- athletes led the way with their support for his leadership.  Sean's selection for Head Coach is the result of his contributions and exciting vision for the future of the program"
 
During the 2025 season, Wilkerson's defensive unit produced four Heart of America All-Conference selections: Zahir Washington (First Team, Defensive Line), Duke McClinton (First Team, Defensive Back), Ja-Quez Oliver (Second Team, Linebacker), and Gavin Dunkel (Honorable Mention, Defensive Line). He also coached the Heart North Freshman of the Year for the third consecutive year.
 
Across his tenure, Wilkerson-led defenses have produced a Defensive Player of the Year, a National Player of the Week, more than 20 all-conference selections, multiple Heart Freshman of the Year honorees, and two NAIA All-Americans. In 2022 and 2023, defensive lineman Devin Adams played under Wilkerson before moving on to the Canadian Football League. During the 2024 season, Peru State led the Heart of America Athletic Conference in interceptions and punt blocks.
 
"I'm excited to lead the Peru State Football program while carrying out the values that this college has been founded on." Says Coach Wilkerson. "This is an exciting time for Bobcat nation as we will become a national powerhouse while providing quality education and a great college football experience for all student-athletes."
 
Wilkerson is a nationally recognized recruiter and has coached numerous all-conference performers at multiple levels. Prior to arriving at Peru State, he served as the linebackers coach at Butler Community College from August 2020 to July 2022, producing two All-KJCCC selections in Quae Drake and Malik Berry during the spring 2021 season.
 
A native of Warner Robins, Georgia, Wilkerson's previous coaching stops include Southwestern Oklahoma State University (NCAA Division II), Middle Georgia State University, Piper High School (KS), and West Franklin High School. While at Middle Georgia State, he contributed to a South Atlantic Conference championship season.
 
As a student-athlete, Wilkerson competed at San Diego Mesa College before transferring to Ottawa University (Kan.), where he helped the Braves capture Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference championships in 2011 and 2012. He earned All-KCAC honors as a wide receiver in 2012.
 
Wilkerson holds a master's degree in Sports Administration from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Ottawa University.
 
This search attracted a large pool of highly qualified applicants, and the competitiveness of the finalists emphasized the strength and success of the national search process.