The 2026 South Dakota Coyotes football team will represent the University of South Dakota as a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) during the 2026 NCAA Division I FCS football season. The Coyotes will be led by first-year head coach Matt Vitzthum, who takes over for former coach Travis Johansen who left the program to become the defensive coordinator at Rutgers. Vitzthum was promoted from being the Coyotes co-offensive coordinator last season, and will be assisted by second year offensive coordinator Tim Morrison and second year defensive coordinator Billy Kirch. The Coyotes play home games at the DakotaDome in Vermillion, South Dakota.
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Preseason
MVFC poll
The Missouri Valley Football Conference released its preseason poll on July 14, 2026, voted on by league athletic directors, coaches, and media members. The Coyotes were predicted to finish fifth in the conference.