The South Dakota Coyotes entered the 2026 preseason with a pair of accolades that have the program buzzing. FCS Football Central named running back Charles Pierre Jr. and defensive lineman Chris Dixon to its Second Team Preseason All‑American list, spotlighting two players who have already left a distinct mark on the team’s recent history.
Pierre Jr.’s journey to this recognition is defined by resilience. After missing most of the 2025 campaign due to injury, the running back returns with a résumé that includes a 1,244‑yard, 16‑touchdown season in 2024 and a career total of 1,716 rushing yards, ranking sixth all‑time in the FCS era. He is now aiming to become the sixth Division I FCS‑era Coyote to breach the 2,000‑yard milestone, a goal that adds a narrative thread of anticipation to the upcoming schedule.
Defensive Anchor on the Rise
Defensive lineman Chris Dixon also earned his share of the spotlight. In his inaugural season as a starter in 2025, Dixon started every game and posted 69 tackles, including four for loss, while contributing four pass break‑ups and three quarterback hurries. His most productive outings featured an eight‑tackle performance against Iowa State, Lamar and Northern Iowa, underscoring his growing influence on the defensive front.
The preseason honors reflect more than individual statistics; they signal a broader belief in the Coyotes’ capacity to compete at a higher level. Both players embody the blend of experience and youthful drive that head coach hopes will translate into a stronger defensive scheme and a more dynamic offense when the 2026 season kicks off.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as Pierre Jr. works toward his 2,000‑yard target and Dixon continues to anchor a defense that showed flashes of brilliance last year. The preseason accolades serve as a reminder that the Coyotes are poised to translate past achievements into tangible success on the field.