The South Dakota football team has quietly compiled a 31‑11 record over the last three seasons, punctuated by five FCS playoff victories that have kept the program in the national conversation.
The turnover in the coaching box has been a constant storyline, but the arrival of Matt Vitzthum as head coach has injected a new sense of purpose, as he emphasizes hard work, relationship‑building and continuity.
Vitzthum inherits a roster that has already weathered several transitions, including the departure of Bob Nielson after the 2024 season and the brief stint of Travis Johansen, who left for a defensive coordinator role at Rutgers before Vitzthum’s promotion.
What sets the current squad apart is the loyalty of players like Tysen Boze and Nathan Laperi, who have remained through the upheaval and now serve as on‑field anchors, guiding newer teammates such as Brayden White, Grant Chapman, Isaiah Wray and Kael Kolarik.
Boze notes that the team’s familiarity with change has forged a collective resolve, while Vitzthum’s focus on being present at every practice and meeting has helped forge trust between coach and players.
The preseason Missouri Valley poll lists the team fifth out of nine, a position the players are eager to improve upon, aiming to finish higher than projected and silence the chatter about perpetual turmoil.
With a culture built on toughness and a commitment to doing the talking on the field, the program looks to translate its resilient foundation into another winning season.
A Culture of Resilience
Vitzthum’s vision extends beyond X’s and O’s; he wants each player to feel valued, to understand the program’s history, and to carry forward the standards set by those who have stayed the course.