You’re probably here because you missed the game or just want to see if the Yotes actually pulled it off. Honestly, keeping track of the university south dakota football score this past year has been a total roller coaster. One week they’re looks like national title contenders, and the next, they’re fighting for their lives in a five-overtime thriller.
It’s been a wild ride for the Coyotes.
The season didn't end with a trophy, but it sure as heck ended with some stories. If you’re looking for the final word on how things wrapped up, the Coyotes finished their 2025 campaign with a tough 52-22 loss to Montana in the FCS Quarterfinals. That December 13th game in Missoula was a bit of a reality check, but it doesn't tell the whole story of a team that went 10-5 overall.
The Score Everyone is Still Talking About
If there is one university south dakota football score that defines the 2025 season, it’s the November 8th matchup against South Dakota State. The Interstate Series.
The DakotaDome was absolutely electric.
Most people expected the Jackrabbits to walk in and dominate, especially after Jack Smith ripped off a 75-yard touchdown run on the very first play of the game. You could almost feel the air leave the stadium. But the Coyotes didn't blink. They grinded out a 24-17 win, holding SDSU scoreless in the entire second half. L.J. Phillips Jr. was a man possessed, putting up two rushing touchdowns, including the 32-yarder in the third quarter that eventually sealed it.
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Winning that game wasn't just about the scoreboard. It was about proving that the 2024 success wasn't a fluke.
Breakdown of the 2025 Results
Look, if you just want the raw data, the season was a game of two halves. The non-conference start was... well, it was rough.
- Iowa State: 7-55 (L) - Tough day in Ames.
- Lamar: 13-20 (L) - A bit of a head-scratcher.
- Northern Colorado: 24-17 (W in OT) - This is where the momentum shifted.
- Drake: 42-21 (W) - A comfortable win that settled the nerves.
Then came the Missouri Valley gauntlet. Everyone knows the MVFC is the SEC of the FCS. You don't get easy Saturdays here. The 13-51 blowout loss to North Dakota State in late September was a low point, but the way they responded was basically the blueprint for the rest of the year.
The Five-Overtime Madness
Have you ever seen a score like 53-51?
That happened on November 15th against Southern Illinois. It was the kind of game that makes coaches lose sleep and fans lose their voices. Five overtimes. Five. Aidan Bouman and the offense had to match the Salukis blow for blow in a game that felt like it would never end. It’s games like that where the university south dakota football score becomes legendary. It showed a level of grit that carried them right into the playoffs.
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Why the Playoff Scores Matter
The post-season was a bit of a mixed bag, but mostly positive until the very end.
- First Round: A 38-17 win over Drake. No surprises here, just business as usual.
- Second Round: A 47-0 absolute demolition of Mercer. This was arguably the best the Coyotes looked all year. The defense was suffocating.
- Quarterfinals: The 22-52 loss at Montana.
That Montana game was a tough pill to swallow. The Grizzlies are a different beast at home, and the 22,000+ fans in Missoula made sure the Coyotes never got comfortable. Even though the score looks lopsided, USD was only down by a bit at halftime before things spiraled in the second half.
Looking at the Final Stats
Aidan Bouman finished the year with 2,877 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. That’s solid. But the real star was L.J. Phillips Jr., who racked up 1,920 rushing yards. You don't see that kind of production every day. He was the engine. When he ran well, the university south dakota football score usually favored the Yotes.
On the defensive side, Gabriel Hardman and Mikey Munn (who had 5 interceptions) kept them in games when the offense stalled. The team’s ability to win close games—like the 17-14 nail-biters against UNI and Indiana State—is what separated this squad from the middle of the pack.
What Most People Get Wrong
People see the five losses and think the team took a step back. Honestly, I don't see it that way. The MVFC was deeper in 2025 than it has been in years. Going 6-2 in that conference is a massive achievement. They beat their rivals. They won a playoff game on the road in a shutout.
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The losses to Iowa State and NDSU were against top-tier talent, and the Montana game is just what happens when you play a powerhouse in December.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're looking to keep up with the team as they head into the 2026 off-season, here is what you should do:
Check the 2026 Recruiting Class
The early signing period has already shown that Travis Johansen is leaning heavily into defensive depth. Keep an eye on the transfer portal, as several MVFC teams are looking to poach talent from the Coyote secondary.
Review the Spring Game Schedule
Dates for the 2026 spring practice sessions and the annual Spring Game at the DakotaDome are usually released in late February. This is your first chance to see who is stepping into the holes left by graduating seniors like L.J. Phillips Jr.
Update Your Streaming Subscriptions
If you’re tired of hunting for a university south dakota football score on Twitter, make sure your ESPN+ and Midco Sports accounts are ready. Most of the MVFC games will stay on these platforms for the foreseeable future.