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You’ve seen the photos on Instagram. Ree Drummond, the "Pioneer Woman" herself, smiling next to her youngest son in a red jersey, waving a "Go Yotes" flag. For a minute there, it looked like Todd Drummond was going to be the next big thing in Vermillion.
But things changed. Fast.
If you haven’t been checking the transfer portal lately, you might have missed the news that Todd Drummond football career has taken a sharp turn away from the Division I spotlight of South Dakota. He isn't just a ranch kid who happens to play sports; he was one of the most productive high school quarterbacks in Oklahoma history.
Honestly, the jump from Pawhuska to the Missouri Valley Football Conference is a massive leap. It’s a "welcome to the big leagues" moment that breaks a lot of talented kids. After a redshirt year and some deep soul-searching, Todd decided the best path forward wasn't in South Dakota anymore.
The Transfer to Emporia State
In April 2025, Todd officially entered the transfer portal. It wasn't a huge shock to those following the Coyotes' depth chart. South Dakota has a crowded quarterback room, and for a guy who threw 50 touchdowns in a single high school season, sitting on the bench for three years isn't exactly the dream.
He didn't stay unattached for long. By May 2025, he committed to Emporia State University.
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Why Emporia? It’s basically home-adjacent. Located in Kansas, it’s a lot closer to the Drummond ranch than the frozen plains of South Dakota. Plus, Emporia State is a Division II powerhouse that knows how to move the ball. They run a high-tempo offense that fits a guy who grew up slinging it every Friday night.
Breaking Down the Pawhuska Legend
To understand why people care about a D2 transfer, you have to look at what he did in high school. The numbers are actually kind of stupid.
Todd wasn't just "good for a small town." He was elite. He finished his career at Pawhuska High School with over 7,500 passing yards and 85 touchdowns. In his senior year alone, he accounted for 40 total touchdowns.
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 205 lbs
- The Vibe: Pure pocket passer with enough mobility to keep defenses honest.
He lived in the shadow of his older brother, Bryce Drummond, who was also a standout QB before heading to North Texas to play linebacker. But Todd was the one who really broke the stat sheet. He left Pawhuska as the winningest quarterback in the school’s history.
Life as a Hornet in 2026
Fast forward to right now. Todd is currently a redshirt freshman for the Emporia State Hornets.
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The 2025 season was a developmental bridge for him. He spent the fall learning a new system under coach Garin Higgins. Transitions are tough, especially when every move you make is documented on a Food Network star's blog. But by August 2025, he was already appearing in position previews as a key piece of the Hornets' future.
He’s not the starter yet. Junior Ben Harris and sophomore Mason Dennis have been the primary guys taking snaps. But Todd is the high-upside developmental project the coaching staff is excited about. You don't get a 6'4" kid with that kind of high school pedigree every day in the MIAA conference.
Managing the "Famous Kid" Pressure
It’s gotta be weird. One day you’re practicing a post route, and the next day you’re featured in People magazine because your mom is "sad about her empty nest."
Todd seems to handle it better than most. He’s active on the ranch when he’s home, playing the "fun uncle" to his sister Alex’s baby, Sofia. But when he’s in Emporia, he’s just #16.
There's a misconception that he's just playing football for the hobby of it. People think because his family is wealthy and famous, he doesn't have the "dog" in him. If you watch his high school tape, that theory dies pretty quickly. The kid took hits, played through injuries, and led a small-town team to deep playoff runs.
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What’s Next for Todd Drummond?
The goal for 2026 and 2027 is simple: win the starting job.
He’s in a much better spot at Emporia than he was at South Dakota. The MIAA is one of the best Division II conferences in the country, often producing NFL-level talent. If Todd can translate that Pawhuska magic to the college level, he’s going to be a problem for defenses.
If you are following his career, here is what to look for:
- Spring Ball Performance: This is where he needs to jump Mason Dennis on the depth chart.
- The MIAA Academic Honor Roll: He’s already been named to this (January 2026), showing he’s actually doing the work in the classroom.
- Physical Growth: He’s listed at 205 lbs now, but his frame can easily hold 220 lbs. If he puts on the "college weight," his arm talent will only get louder.
Todd Drummond isn't just a character in a lifestyle blog. He’s a legitimate football player trying to find his own name in a family full of big ones. Moving to Emporia State was the smartest move he could have made to actually see the field.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the Hornets: Keep an eye on Emporia State’s box scores; that’s where his story is being written now.
- Ignore the Hype: Don't look at the celebrity news for football updates—look at the MIAA conference standings.
- Patience is Key: Quarterbacks often don't "pop" until their sophomore or junior years in college. Todd has the time and the eligibility to make a massive impact.