Senior running back Charles Pierre Jr. has been named to the Shriners Children's 1000 Watch List for the 2026 season, highlighting his potential as one of the top collegiate athletes competing for a spot in the 2027 Shriners Children's East-West Bowl. After a significant injury sidelined him for most of 2025, he returns as a Second Team Preseason All-American and a candidate for the Walter Payton Award. Pierre Jr. is known for his impressive collegiate achievements, including being the first Division I FCS Coyote to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season and ranking highly in career rushing statistics. His inclusion on this watch list positions him among 14 athletes from the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) and underscores his potential for an NFL career.

By the Numbers
  • Pierre Jr. rushed for 1,244 yards and 16 touchdowns in the 2024 season.
  • He ranks fourth in the FCS era for career 100-yard rushing games with six.
  • With 1,716 career rushing yards, he aims to become the sixth Coyote to surpass 2,000 career yards.
State of Play
  • Pierre Jr.'s injury recovery has set the stage for a comeback in the 2026 season.
  • South Dakota has five athletes, including Pierre Jr., named to the preseason watch list within the MVFC.
  • The East-West Bowl has a long history of showcasing emerging NFL talent.
What's Next

As the 2026 season progresses, Pierre Jr. will seek to solidify his status as a top player and boost his NFL prospects. With a focus on achieving individual milestones, he also aims to help lead the Coyotes to success on the field. Performance in upcoming games will be crucial for both personal accolades and team achievements.

Bottom Line

Pierre Jr.鈥檚 recognition on the Shriners Children's 1000 Watch List not only highlights his potential talent but also places him in the national spotlight as he prepares for a critical season. His performance in 2026 will be pivotal for both his collegiate career and future prospects in the NFL.