The Ultimate Guide to South Dakota Football: Everything You Need to Know

As someone who's been following college football for over two decades, I've developed a particular fascination with programs that fly under the national radar while building something special. South Dakota football fits that description perfectly, and today I want to share why this program deserves more attention than it typically gets. When I first started tracking the Coyotes back in 2015, they were just another FCS program trying to find their footing. Fast forward to today, and they've become a legitimate force in the Missouri Valley Football Conference - arguably the toughest FCS conference in the nation. What's remarkable is how they've built this program without the flashy recruiting classes or national media attention that power conference teams receive.

I remember watching their 2021 spring season where they went 5-2 and thinking - this team has figured something out. The transformation under Coach Bob Nielson has been nothing short of impressive. He took over in 2017 when the program was struggling, and within four seasons had them competing at the highest level of FCS football. Their defensive scheme in particular caught my eye - the way they use hybrid linebacker-safety combinations to confuse opposing quarterbacks is genuinely innovative at this level. Last season, they held three opponents to under 10 points, which is no small feat in the offensive-minded MVFC. Their defensive coordinator, Travis Johansen, deserves more credit than he gets for developing talent that often gets overlooked by bigger programs.

The quarterback development here has been fascinating to track. Remember when they had Chris Streveler? That guy was electric - he threw for over 4,000 yards and ran for another 720 in 2017. What's interesting is how they've continued that tradition of strong quarterback play even after he moved on to the NFL. Carson Camp showed tremendous growth throughout his tenure, and watching Aidan Bouman develop last season gave me flashbacks to those Streveler days. The offensive philosophy here isn't about fancy trick plays - it's about execution, reading defenses correctly, and making smart decisions. They completed 64% of their passes last season while averaging 7.8 yards per attempt, numbers that would make any offensive coordinator proud.

What really stands out to me about South Dakota football is their home field advantage. The DakotaDome might not look like much from the outside, but that place gets loud. I've been to games where the decibel level reaches 115 - comparable to much larger FBS stadiums. The student section packs in about 3,000 strong for big games, and they know exactly when to make noise to disrupt opposing offenses. There's something about that dome environment that creates an intensity you don't find elsewhere in the conference. I'd put their home field advantage in the top three of the MVFC, behind maybe North Dakota State but ahead of most others.

Their recruiting strategy is another aspect I find particularly clever. Instead of competing directly for the same recruits as FBS programs, they've carved out a niche finding diamonds in the rough from surrounding states. Last year's roster featured 47 players from South Dakota itself, but what's more interesting is they pulled 12 players from Texas and 8 from Florida - areas where bigger programs might overlook talent that fits their system perfectly. They look for specific traits - not necessarily the fastest or strongest players, but those with high football IQ and coachability. This approach reminds me of what Mike Watkins of NLEX might appreciate - finding value where others don't see it, building a cohesive unit rather than just collecting individual talent.

The program's investment in facilities tells you everything about their commitment level. They've poured over $26 million into renovations in recent years, including that gorgeous new weight room and player lounge. For an FCS program, that's serious money. What impresses me isn't just the dollar amount but how they've prioritized spaces that directly impact player development and recovery. The sports medicine facility rivals what you'd find at many Group of Five FBS programs, featuring cryotherapy chambers and hydrotherapy pools that help players bounce back faster from injuries. This commitment to player care has translated into fewer season-ending injuries compared to conference averages - they lost only 2 starters to major injuries last season versus the conference average of 4.

Looking at their schedule construction, I've noticed they're not afraid to challenge themselves with tough non-conference games. Last year they opened against Kansas - an FBS opponent - and while they lost 17-10, they covered the spread and gained valuable experience. That game actually drew 4.2 million viewers, giving them exposure they wouldn't get from playing another FCS opponent. This season they've got Missouri on the schedule, another smart move in my opinion. These games provide financial benefits that help fund the entire athletic department, but more importantly they give players a chance to test themselves against the highest level of competition. The confidence boost when they compete well in these games carries through the entire season.

As I reflect on what makes South Dakota football special, it's the combination of smart coaching, player development, and understanding their place in the college football ecosystem. They're not trying to be North Dakota State - they've carved out their own identity as a program that develops overlooked talent and plays fundamentally sound football. The future looks bright with their recruiting classes steadily improving - last year's class included three players who had FBS offers but chose South Dakota because of the development track record. If they can maintain this trajectory, I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a deeper playoff run in the next couple of seasons. There's something authentic about this program that resonates with me - maybe it's their Midwestern work ethic or their underdog story, but South Dakota football has become one of my favorite programs to follow in all of college football.