As the 2026 football season approaches, five South Dakota Coyotes players have been recognized with Preseason All-MVFC honors by Phil Steele. Charles Pierre Jr., after an injury-plagued season, returns as a First Team running back, supported by standout performances from teammates Brayden White, Gabe Hardman, RJ Stewart, and Chris Dixon.

By the Numbers
  • Charles Pierre Jr. rushed for 1,244 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024.
  • Brayden White averaged 30.1 yards per kickoff return with a long of 69 yards.
  • Gabe Hardman recorded 90 tackles, placing third on his team in 2025.
  • RJ Stewart had three interceptions and seven pass break-ups last season.
  • Chris Dixon made 69 tackles in 2025, leading the defensive line with four pass break-ups.
State of Play
  • Charles Pierre Jr. is on the Walter Payton Award Watch List, indicating high expectations.
  • Brayden White and RJ Stewart solidified their roles as impactful players in their respective positions.
  • The Coyotes look forward to building on the successes of last season with a strong roster.
What's Next

The Coyotes are gearing up for a competitive season, with their key players expected to excel and drive team performance. The development of younger talents like Brayden White and RJ Stewart will be critical in bolstering the overall team strength.

Bottom Line

The acknowledgment of five players on the Preseason All-MVFC teams highlights South Dakota鈥檚 strong football program, setting the stage for a promising 2026 season. They aim to leverage this recognition to elevate their competitiveness within the league.