South Dakota has been home to some of the top FCS running backs over the last couple of years.
In the 2024 season that featured a run to the semifinals, the Coyotes had a two-headed monster in 1,000-yard rushers Charles Pierre Jr. and Travis Theis. Entering last season, Theis had graduated, but Pierre returned and was viewed as a top-tier running back in the FCS. In Game 2, however, Pierre suffered a season-ending knee injury. In stepped L.J. Phillips Jr., an unknown at the time. He made his name known quickly as Phillips went on to lead the FCS with 1,921 rushing yards while USD advanced to its third straight quarterfinals.
Phillips transferred to Iowa this offseason. The Yotes aren’t worried about their backfield, though. Why? Because Pierre returns and looks to remind the FCS why he’s arguably the most dangerous running back in the subdivision.
Pierre showed flashes in 2023 as a redshirt freshman, getting named to the 2023 MVFC All-Newcomer Team after rushing 78 times for 473 yards and five touchdowns.
His breakout season came in 2024.
The 5-foot-10 and 210-pound Florida native averaged 7.4 yards per carry, totaling 1,244 yards and 16 TDs on the ground. Pierre also had 19 receptions for 190 yards and two scores.
Pierre was PFF’s No. 5-graded FCS running back while earning All-MVFC First Team honors and three All-American accolades.
Looking ahead to 2026, multi-year starter Aidan Bouman has graduated, while the top two receivers are gone, along with most of the reps on the offensive line. The Yotes also have their second first-year head coach in two years as Matt Vitzthum takes the reins. Travis Johansen departed after one season at the helm to be the defensive coordinator at Rutgers.
It’ll be an intriguing year for USD after elevating its national status. The Yotes have finished 10-3, 11-3, and 10-5 in the last three seasons, featuring three quarterfinal appearances and one semifinal appearance. If they continue this trajectory in 2026, Pierre will play a pivotal role in that success.
