South Dakota Ranked No. 3 in Coaches Preseason Poll

Coyotes Receive Highest Preseason Ranking in School History

Vermillion, S.D. - August 15, 2023

The University of South Dakota Coyotes have been ranked No. 3 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Football Championship Series (FCS) Coaches Preseason Poll, released on Monday, Aug. 15.

The ranking is the highest preseason ranking in school history for the Coyotes, who finished the 2022 season with a 12-2 record and advanced to the FCS quarterfinals.

South Dakota is one of four Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) teams ranked in the top 10 of the preseason poll. North Dakota State (No. 1) and South Dakota State (No. 2) are ranked ahead of the Coyotes, while Illinois State (No. 9) is also ranked in the top 10.

The Coyotes will open the 2023 season on Thursday, Aug. 31, at home against Drake University.