Welcome! Thank you for stopping by and reading. We’re officially in the Dog Days of Summer, and football is right around the corner (just 40 days until kickoff). I wanted to write a full preview article highlighting each position group heading into the 2026 CFB season. Let’s Go Yotes!
Roster / Personnel Update:
- During 2026 Spring Ball, I noticed Dallas Holmes (TE) and Nyle Dickel (LB/DE) were still listed on the roster. Both were at practice but only spectating. Neither appears on the current roster. Dallas was injured last year at UNI and never returned. Nyle suffered an injury at the end of 2022/early 2023. I assume neither received an extra year of eligibility.
- Maryland Transfer, Neeo Avery (LB), posted on Instagram that he’s medically retiring from football due to MS. Prayers to him.
- Coach Matt Vitzthum enters his first season as head coach of the Coyote Football team. USD is fortunate to have this man leading the Pack!!
- Coach Tim Morrison returns for year two as offensive coordinator. I know TM has a great call sheet ready and will have the tight ends dialed in.
- Coach Billy Kirsch returns for year two as defensive coordinator. I’m pumped to see what Coach Kirsch has cooked up on the defensive side—especially with a full spring of practice and no portal interruptions. LFG!!!
Now, Let’s Dive into the First Position Group: Special Teams.
LS/PK/P:
Duncan Viscum (LS) Jr., returns with the most experience, playing in all 15 games last season. Graham Broughton (LS) Fr., is the only other long snapper listed. I expect Duncan to build on his strong 2025 campaign.
The strong and steady legs of Zeke Mata (K) & Will Leyland (K) graduated, and Tyler Ebel (P) transferred. So the Yotes are searching for a new kicking and punting unit. Heading into fall camp, four kickers/punters remain on the roster:Ford Hamilton (K/P), R-Jr.;Sam Parks(K), R-So.; Colby Simons (K/P), Fr.; and California transfer Brook Honore (P), R-Sr. Brook is the only specialist with game experience—20 punts last season for Cal at a 41.4-yard average, with a long of 54. I’ve watched Ford Hamilton during warm-ups the past few seasons, and he has a big leg. I believe Ford will handle kicking duties while Brook takes over punting
Safeties/CB’s: Coached by Josh Manchigiah & Bryon Robinson Jr.
With RJ Stewart (CB) R-So., and Tim White (S) Sr. returning, I’m excited to see this group grow comfortable and make plays. Tim missed last season with an injury but should come back swinging like he did in 2024 (34 tackles, 2 PBUs, 1 INT). RJ is a certified dawg—he burst onto the scene with 58 tackles, 3 INTs, and 10 PBUs. His measurables are similar to Myles Harden‘s, and we all saw how Myles developed at USD.
The secondary can’t rely on just two players, so keep an eye on: Jaden Brown (DB) So.,Kevin Dodar (S) Jr.,Josh Grant (CB) Jr., and Kael Kolarik(S) R-Sr., all bring experience to the secondary. Yote Fans probably remember Jaden from his performance vs. North Dakota last season, when he blocked a punt in the endzone. During the 2025 season, Jaden appeared in all 15 games, tallying 13 tackles. Kevin Dodard transfers in from Lafayette after posting 52 tackles, 9 PBUs, and 2 INTs in 12 games—a huge get for USD. Josh “The Shark” Grant transferred from Washburn, where he recorded 35 tackles, 3 PBUs, and 3 fumble recoveries in 11 games. His size should give him an edge against bigger receivers and tight ends. Kael Kolarik brings legitimate P5 experience from Iowa (40 games played) and adds a big 6’0″, 210 lb body to the secondary.
Keep an eye out for: DJ Kennard (R-So.), Jaylen Boehm-Peterson(Jr.), Dawson Sechser (R-So.), and Ty Morris (Jr.) All four saw action last year and are hungry for bigger roles.
Projected Starters: RJ Stewart (CB), Josh Grant (CB), Tim White (S) & Kevin Dodard (S).
Linebackers: Coached by Will Finley
The Battering Rams! The heartbeat of the defense! Violence is the X factor for here. As fall camp approaches, the big question is who replaces Matt Walsh? He was true Yote who stuck with the program, earned the starting job as a senior, and made the most of it!!!
Returning leaders are Gabe Hardman (R-Jr.), and Wade Abrams (R-Sr.), a team captain. Wade had 49 tackles and 2 TFLs in 2025 and is hungry for more. Gabe exploded last year (90 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 FF, 1 INT) and looks primed for another breakout season. The preseason All-American’s physicality is unmatched—I wouldn’t be surprised to see him top 100 tackles in 2026.
Young talent includes: QJ Moore Jr (R-So),Crew Heier (R-So.),Lincoln Adams(R-So.),Beau Ryan(R-So),Cain Wallner(R-Fr), and Dylan Hudgens (R-Fr.) Lincoln led the group with 18 tackles last season. Cain Wallner, who early-enrolled in 2025 and contributed on special teams, is one to watch. We could be looking at a Brock Mogensen2.0 this season…
One final note for the linebacker room: Will we see bigger DBs (like Kael Kolarik or Ethan Carrier) slide down to the Sam-backer spot? Both are over 200 lbs with the agility and speed to drop into coverage. This linebacker room can be something special this season!!
Projected Starters: Gabe Hardman, Wade Abrams, & Cain Wallner.
Defensive Line: Coached by Nathan Nelson
The Trenches! This D-Line has serious depth—expect 8–10 players to rotate. Several Yotes are poised for breakout seasons. Starting with, The Big Man in The Middle,Chris Dixon. CD posted 69 tackles, 4 TFLs, 4 pass deflections, and 1.5 sacks in 2025. Nathan Laperi built a strong campaign in 2025 (17 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks) and he’ll keep improving this season. I hope
Calen Presser & Jeff Bowie bounce back this year after having season ending injuries in 2025.
Coach Nelson was active in the portal! Adding Tyler Sapit (R-Jr.), John Starman (R-Sr.), Sam Samè (R-Jr.), Isaiah Wray (R-Jr.), and Asher Tomaszewski (R-Jr.) Tyler (Bemidji State) & Isaiah (Concordia University, St. Paul) both had stellar 2025 seasons in the NSIC. Isaiah and Tyler could burst onto the FCS scene this year. Expect to see #15 & #57 lining up at the DE / rush-backer positions. Starman brings Ivy League experience (26 games at Brown). Asher (6’4″, 295 lbs from K-State) & Sam (ISU) add size and athleticism.
Auvon Sager (R-Jr.), Evan Adams (R-So.), and Kainen White (R-So.), saw limited action last season. Max Coles (R-Fr.), & Jackson Cowgill (R-So.), all have chances to earn bigger roles and provide depth this season.
Overall, this unit has major potential. I believe 3–4 players could have a 2024-style season (think Nick Gaes, Mosai Newsome, Mi’Quise Grace, and Blake Holden). Brick by brick, they’ll build the foundation for a stout defense.
Projected Starters: Chris Dixon (DT), Nathan Laperi (DT), Isaiah Wray (DE) and Tyler Sapit (DE).
Now, let’s look at the Coyote Offense:
Running Backs: Coached By Dante Warren
Since returning to Vermillion in 2018, Coach Warren (a Yote Legend), has consistently recruited and developed elite backs—Kai Henry, Nate Thomas, Travis Theis, L.J. Phillips Jr., and others. I’m fired up about this room in 2026. Coach Warren will have these young men primed and ready to run the rock.
We all know how banged up a RB room can get during the long Missouri Valley football season. It’ll be important to keep fresh legs in the backfield. Preseason All-American Charles Pierre Jr returns healthy—that’s a massive boost for both production and depth. CP3 is going to be electric. Speedster,Keyondray Jones-Logan (R-Jr.), will be very fun to watch in 2026. I think we only saw a glimpse of Key’s full potential in 2024; before he was injured during spring ball in 2025. Key played a handful of snaps vs. Montana in the 2025 FCS Quarterfinals, but if you need a refresher on his speed, check out this touchdown run vs. Wisconsin in 2024. Key is also a very dangerous kickoff & punt returner.
Carson Fletcher (So.), and Reid Watkins (R-So.), both showed promise in 2025. Carson (5’10”, 215) is a physical, downhill runner who reminds me of Travis Theis. During his true freshman season, Fletcher racked up 478 yards on 90 carries for a 5.3 yard average. Not too shabby for a freshman. Reid enters his second season in Yote uniform, and he looks to build off his 338 rushing yards in ’25. Reid brings shiftiness and averaged over 4 yards per carry.
Projected Starter: Charles Pierre Jr.
Tight ends: Coached by Tim Morrison
USD has been searching for their next JJ Galbreath since the end of 2024.Jesse Miller (R-Jr.) stepped up last year, starting 11 games with 20 catches for 158 yards and a touchdown. Caden Frey (R-Jr.), Mason Cowgill (R-So.), Jackson Accuardi (R-Fr.), and Chris Herrin (R-Fr.) give this group real depth and athleticism.
This is one of the deeper position groups on the roster. There are still questions about who becomes “that guy,” but Coyote fans can sleep easy knowing there are 4–5 reliable options.
Project starter: Jesse Miller
Wide Receivers: Coached by Isaiah Walker
It’s no secret this group lost playmakers after the 2025 season. Jack Martens and Javion Phelps graduated plus the transfer of Larenzo Fenner. However, Tysen Boze (R-Sr.),Tennel Bryant (Sr.), and Brayden White (R-Fr.) are ready to step up. Tysen was Mr. Reliable (19 catches, 298 yards, 2 TDs). Tennel’s speed makes him a deep threat (21+ yards per catch). Brayden showed explosive return ability and could emerge as WR1. Kansas transfer Bryce Cohoon (R-Jr.) brings size and elite speed (former 5A state champ in the 100m). ISU transfer Dyllan Malone (R-Fr.) and Troy Bounting (R-Sr.) also have paths to contributing roles.
There’s definitely playmakers in this room. Could we see one of the five true freshman make an impact this season? Possibly. But I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a player emerge with Lorenzo-type numbers this season. Coach Walker’s track record developing receivers gives me confidence this room will produce big plays again.
Projected Starters: Tysen Bose (X), Tennel Bryant (W), & Brayden White (Z).
Offensive Line: Coached by James Bain
The Big Boys up Front! Coach Bain (former Minnesota assistant) enters his first season leading the O-line. Games are won and lost in the trenches, so establishing the run and protecting the pocket will be critical.
Brock Woolf (R-Jr.) returns after a stellar 2025 (14 games, 13 starts). Brendon Crispe (R-So.), the 6’9″, 320-lb monster, played in all 15 games and should take another step. Caden Ellingson (Sr.) returns from injury with valuable experience. Grant Chapman (R-Jr.) also adds depth.
TransfersAngelo Saroukos(R-Fr.), Jake Riggs(R-So.), Jake Utley (R-Jr.), and Nick Herzog (R-Sr.), all have starting experience from previous programs.
Projected Starters: Brendon Crispe (LT), Nick Herzog (LG), Jake Riggs (C), Brock Woolf (RG), & Jake Utley (RT).
Quarterbacks: Coached by Heath Parling
Who starts at quarterback in 2026? This battle has dominated coverage all offseason, and rightfully so. Whoever wins has big shoes to fill, but it’s a new season with a new team and new coaches. I believe that Coach Parling, Coach Vitzthum and the rest of the offensive staff will do a great job when selecting the Coyotes next signal caller.
Let’s take a look at the QB room. Returning for his third season in red & white is Nevan Cremascoli R-Sr. Nevan was QB2 the last two seasons and he’s shown signs of being a dynamic playmaker when given the opportunity. From his time at NIU and now USD, Nevan has 733 career passing yards and six touchdowns on 114 attempts. I know he has the speed to be a great running QB, but I’m curious on how he throws the ball and makes those split second decisions.
Redshirt freshman, Austyn Modrzewski, returns to Vermillion with an opportunity to win the starting role. The highly touted recruit from Mountain Vista high school in Colorado has a very high ceiling. We’ve heard multiple players and coaches talk about the passes he can make. Getting the starting job might come down to “if he can control the huddle”. Being a R-Fr. and not having any college playing experience could be a weakness, but AM1 could make up for that with his talent and football IQ.
Transfer, Jackson Proctor R-Sr., comes to USD after having stops at Dartmouth and Northern Illinois, although he did not play last season at NIU and was able to retain a year of eligibility. JP12 has played in 20 career games and is the most seasoned player in the QB room heading into 2026. During his time at Dartmouth, Jackson racked up 2,355 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. On the ground, he also showed his ability to run the rock. Producing 617 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. Jackson has shown he has the ability to be a dual threat QB and win games.
In the end, this QB battle might boil down to who takes control of the huddle. Honestly, you could flip a coin and USD would be just fine with whoever wins the starting nod.
Projected Starter: Austyn Modrzewski
Last But Not Least:
- GET YOUR 2026 SEASON TICKETS! This is now my 7th season purchasing season tickets and I cannot be more excited for Week 1!! Show up, be loud and Let’s Go, Yotes!!!!
- “Projected Starters” are based 100% on my own opinion and feel for the roster. I based each position group off the depth chart(s) from the 2025 season.
- I’m not affiliated with the University of South Dakota in any capacity. This article was written independently, by myself, who’s a passionate alum / fan of USD. All information from this article can be found on either the USD Athletics page or ESPN
- Check out my X page for the original write up with pictures included.
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