South Dakota appeared poised to make another FCS title run before spring portal departures reshaped the roster. The overall expectations surrounding the Coyotes have plummeted, and many media outlets are tempted to slide USD downward in preseason rankings. Can USD sustain the level of success recently achieved, or is it too much to ask?
2024 Season Recap
USD elevated itself to the upper tier of FCS Football in 2024, reaching the semifinals and picking up key wins against strong programs – NDSU (14-2) and UC Davis (11-3). The Coyotes finished with an overall record of 11-3, with their only setbacks coming to Wisconsin (5-7), SDSU (12-3), and eventual runner-up MSU (15-1). USD’s offense flourished, as the Coyotes averaged 35.79 points per contest (215.9 rushing, 220.93 passing). On defense, USD remained disruptive, ranking seventh in the country in scoring defense (17.64 points), while also holding opponents to 116.1 rushing yards (AVG) and 199.50 passing yards (AVG).
Key Departures & Returnees
Key Departures (19):
- Offense: RB Travis Theis, WR Carter Bell, WR Quaron Adams, TE JJ Galbreath, LT Joe Cotton, LG Jordan Larsen, C Joey Lombard, RT Bryce Henderson.
- Defense: DE Nick Gaes, DT Mosai Newsom, DT Blake Holden, DE Mi’Quise Grace, SLB Teven McKelvey, MLB Gary Bryant III, CB Mike Reid, CB Shahid Barros, S Josiah Ganues, S Dennis Shorter.
- Special Teams: LS Duncan Viscum.
Key Returnees (8):
- Offense: QB Aidan Bouman, RB Charles Pierre Jr., WR Jack Martens, RG Adrian Hawkins.
- Defense: WLB Nate Ewell.
- Special Teams: P Tyler Ebel, K Will Leyland, KR/RB Keyondray Jones-Logan.
Portal Additions (FBS + FCS)
Portal Additions (17):
- Offense: RB Jaylen Anderson (West Virginia), OL Brandon Smith (Merrimack), TE Dallas Holmes (Lafayette), OL Almarion Crim (Chattanooga), WR Will Graunke (St. Thomas), OL Brock Woolf (Kansas State), TE Jackson Accuardi (West Virginia), OL Wyatt Lawson (Florida International), ATH Ty Robinson (Holy Cross).
- Defense: DB Ashton Paine (Washington State), DB DeJaun Lewis (Lamar), DL Jeffrey Bowie (Iowa), DL Caden Crawford (Iowa), DL Jackson Cowgill (Washington State), DB DJ Kennard (Michigan State), DL Nathan Laperi (North Texas), DE Calen Presser (Arkansas State).
Previewing the South Dakota Offense
The offensive line loses four of five starters to the transfer portal and graduation. Adrian Hawkins, the lone returner, will be asked to embrace a larger role at the right guard position. Transfer offensive linemen Brandon Smith (6-1, 295), Almarion Crim (6-2, 286), Brock Woolf (6-5, 290), and Wyatt Lawson (6-2, 303) provide size and athleticism up front.
Returning at quarterback is veteran Aidan Bouman, who has been a model of stability and assurance. In 31 career starts, Bouman has accumulated 6,402 passing yards and 42 touchdowns. He earned an Honorable Mention All-Conference nomination in 2024 and is embarking on his senior year.
At running back, the explosive Charles Pierre Jr. is back after a dominant season, one in which he eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark and received a Third-Team All-American nod from Phil Steele. West Virginia transfer RB Jaylen Anderson will aim to flourish in Vermillion and become a complementary punch in the Coyotes’ backfield.
On the perimeter, two of three starters depart, with Jack Martens being the only wide receiver returning. Junior wideout Javion Phelps has a tremendous ceiling due to his frame (6-4, 200) and consistent production; he has tallied over 200 receiving yards in each season since 2022. Tight end Dallas Holmes transfers in from Lafayette, where he was an All-Patriot League Second Team selection. He totaled 112 yards and three touchdowns last season.
Previewing the South Dakota Defense
USD’s front seven suffered major blows this offseason, losing six starters between the defensive line and linebacker groups.
In the trenches, DE Carter Hooper (6-5, 265) and DT Chris Dixon (6-2, 305) will be tasked with making up for a tremendous amount of lost production. Coming in to assist are portal additions Jeffrey Bowie (6-5, 268), Caden Crawford (6-4, 265), Jackson Cowgill (6-4, 285), Nathan Laperi (6-3, 248), and Calen Presser (6-7, 215).
Middle Linebacker Gary Bryant III and SAM Linebacker Teven McKelvey are both gone; they combined for 158 total tackles, 6 TFLs, and 9 pass deflections in 2024. Will Linebacker Nate Ewell returns along with rotational piece Wabe Abrams.
Just like the front seven, the secondary has been hammered by the portal, as four starters leave the program. Safety Tim White could earn a starting job – he played in 14 games and recorded 34 tackles, one interception, and two pass deflections. Defensive Back DeJaun Lewis transfers in from Lamar after a 76 tackle season.
Previewing the South Dakota Special Teams Unit
USD brings back a seasoned and talented special teams unit.
Punter Tyler Ebel and Kicker Will Leyland are both coming off of solid years. Ebel had a net punting average of 41.8 and Leyland made all 63 extra points he attempted.
Versatile Kick Returner Keyondray Jones-Logan was a Fourth Team Phil-Steele All-American and Honorable Mention All-Conference selection. He is prepped for a breakout season.
Coaching Changes
- New Head Coach Travis Johansen: He spent six seasons as USD’s Defensive Coordinator and three as the Associate Head Coach. He has developed 16 players who have received opportunities in the NFL.
- New Offensive Coordinator Tim Morrison: He previously served as the Tight Ends Coach, aiding in the development of AP All-American JJ Galbreath.
- New Defensive Coordinator Billy Kirch: He spent the past nine seasons as the Defensive Coordinator at Northwestern College (Iowa). He was named the NAIA Coordinator of the Year in 2022.
2025 Schedule
Bold indicates home games
- 8/30 at Iowa State
- 9/6 at Lamar
- 9/13 vs Northern Colorado
- 9/20 vs Drake
- 9/27 at North Dakota State
- 10/4 vs Murray State
- 10/11 at Indiana State
- 10/18 at Northern Iowa
- 10/25 vs Illinois State
- 11/1 vs North Dakota
- 11/8 vs South Dakota State
- 11/15 at Southern Illinois
Potential Trap Games
Lamar
The Cardinals went 7-5 last season, including a home record of 4-2. If Lamar is able to hang around, the Coyotes will be on upset alert.
Northern Iowa
With a new coach and fresh culture in Cedar Falls, USD might get caught overlooking the Panthers. This would be a costly oversight, as the UNI-Dome is one of the most difficult venues to play in within the MVFC.
Now that there are many questions to answer regarding the Coyotes’ 2025 squad, first-year head coach Travis Johansen is faced with a defining season. Whether USD is able to reload or regress could shape the program’s FCS trajectory for years to come.
