VERMILLION, S.D. — The University of South Dakota football team will begin spring practices under first year head coach Matt Vitzthum. The 15 allotted spring practices allowed by the NCAA will begin on March 25 and come to an end with the second annual Family Day set for April 25.
 
South Dakota enters the spring practices off of a 10-5 (6-2 MVFC) record and the program's third-straight FCS quarterfinals appearance under head coach Travis Johansen in his one season as head coach. The Yotes secured sole possession of the second place in the MVFC, picking up four top-25 wins on the season with three-straight to end the regular season to earn an at-large berth to the FCS Playoffs.
 
Heading into spring ball, Vitzthum welcomes a pair of new coaches. James Bain will work with the offensive line unit and Heath Parling was hired to take Vitzthum's role as quarterbacks coach. Vitzthum also welcomes Matt Vargas as the program's second-ever director of football sports performance.  
 
The Yotes officially welcome 17 new additions to the roster for the spring. South Dakota will have to replace Aidan Bouman at quarterback, having three QBs on the roster for spring ball. The Coyotes return seven starters from both sides of the ball to the roster for the spring.
 
FAMILY DAY -- APRIL 25
The second annual USD Family Day will bring to an end spring practices for Coyote football on April 25. Open to the public, fans are invited to watch the final spring practice.
 
Also on Family Day, following practice, the Yotes will host a clinic for boys and girls from kindergarten to eighth grade. The clinic will focus on the development of football skills. Registration is FREE and open to any children K-8. To register, visit the link above.
 
USD GEAR SALE
This year's Family Day will also feature the second USD gear sale. The sale will once again be held in the Dome Club prior to the Family Day festivities from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on April 25.
 
Much like the gear sale back in February, fans will have access to select USD apparel and uniforms, including uniforms from this past season:
 

• Helmets ($250)
• Football Jerseys ($50)
• Other jerseys ($40)
• Shoes ($20)
• Travel Tops ($20)
• Travel Pants ($20)
• All other items ($5)
  • Basketballs, footballs, a limited number of helmets, and more

2026 SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2026 season are available now! Visit GoYotes.com/Tickets to secure your seats in the DakotaDome to support the Yotes!