USD Coyotes Rebuild Defense After Iowa State Transfer Loss
The University of South Dakota football team faces a major defensive rebuild in 2026 after losing several key playmakers and leaders to graduation and the transfer portal. The biggest blow came when star pass rusher Caden Crawford transferred to Iowa State. As the Coyotes look to improve their sack and takeaway numbers, they will rely on returning veterans and a former Iowa Hawkeye to anchor a revamped roster.
What does the USD defensive line look like without Caden Crawford?
Replacing production is one thing, but replacing leadership is an entirely different challenge for the Coyotes. USD lost its top pass rusher in Caden Crawford, who transferred to Iowa State after earning second-team all-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors during his lone season in Vermillion. Crawford led the team in both sacks and tackles for loss. The Coyotes also graduated veteran defensive tackle Mosai Newsom, a steady presence and former team captain who had been with the program since 2023.
Fortunately for USD, two experienced returners are ready to step up. Defensive end Nathan Laperi returns after a strong first season following his transfer from North Dakota. The 6-foot-3, 260-pound junior finished second on the team with 4.5 sacks and added 5.5 tackles for loss. With Crawford gone, Laperi becomes the top pass rusher. His ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks will be critical for a unit that finished second-to-last in the conference with only 18 sacks last season.
On the inside, senior defensive tackle Chris Dixon provides production, experience and leadership. The 6-foot-2, 310-pound veteran recorded 69 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks during his best season in 2025. Dixon's ability to take on blockers while remaining productive against the run makes him a foundational piece of the defensive front.
Who are the leaders at linebacker for the Coyotes?
The linebacker room enters the season with significant turnover but still possesses experienced players capable of taking on larger roles. Junior Gabriel Hardman headlines the returning group after starting every game last season. Hardman finished third on the team in tackles and enters 2026 as the lone returning linebacker who held a full-time starting role throughout last year. His familiarity with the defense makes him a natural leader.
Senior Nyle Dickel also figures to play a major role. Used primarily as an edge defender and outside linebacker, Dickel totaled 57 tackles, four tackles for loss and six quarterback hurries in 2025. His versatility allows defensive coordinator Billy Kirch to move him around the field to create disruption.
Another experienced voice is senior Wade Abrams, who started six games and recorded 49 tackles last season. He was voted a defensive team captain before the 2025 season, proving his leadership is already respected in the locker room. University of Maryland transfer Neeo Avery could also make an immediate impact. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound junior brings size and Power Four experience to the position group.
These players must step up to replace the production of graduated linebackers Nate Ewell, who led the team with 98 total tackles, and Matt Walsh, who added 81 tackles and two interceptions.
Can former Hawkeye Kael Kolarik stabilize the secondary?
The secondary faces perhaps the biggest transition of any position group. The Coyotes lost cornerback Mikey Munn, a first-team all-MVFC selection, who transferred to Rutgers University alongside former head coach Travis Johansen. Safety Roman Tillmon also transferred to Boise State after a standout sophomore season that included 94 tackles and six pass breakups. Safety DeJuan Lewis graduated, leaving USD searching for two new starting safeties.
Sophomore cornerback R.J. Stewart is positioned to lead the cornerback room after an impressive freshman season where he finished second on the team with three interceptions and seven pass breakups. His ball skills give the Coyotes a dependable option on the outside.
At safety, the Coyotes will rely heavily on veteran leadership. Senior Tim White returns after missing all of last season due to injury. Despite not playing, White was voted a defensive captain, showing the immense respect he commands. Now healthy, he can pair his leadership with on-field production.
Iowa transfer Kael Kolarik brings additional experience to the safety position. Entering his senior season, the former Hawkeye could quickly become one of the veteran voices in a revamped defensive backfield. Junior Jaden Brown is also expected to take on a larger role. If USD hopes to increase its takeaway numbers after recording just 12 interceptions last season, these veterans will need to deliver.
Why did Caden Crawford leave USD?
Caden Crawford transferred to Iowa State after a highly successful lone season with the Coyotes. Following his second-team all-MVFC honors, Crawford opted to join the Cyclones, leaving a significant gap in USD's pass rush and defensive leadership.
Who is the former Iowa Hawkeye joining USD?
Kael Kolarik is the former Iowa Hawkeye joining the Coyotes. Entering his senior season at safety, Kolarik transferred from the University of Iowa to provide veteran experience and leadership to a USD secondary that lost multiple starters to the transfer portal and graduation.