Tysen Boze eager to lead new-look USD receiving corps into 2026 season
· Yahoo Sports
Jun. 10—VERMILLION, S.D. — For much of the 2025 season, Tysen Boze was patiently waiting for his opportunity.
By the time the University of South Dakota football team reached the postseason, the 6-foot-4, 205-pound wide receiver had become one of the Coyotes' most reliable playmakers, emerging as a key target during the team's run to the FCS playoffs as a junior.
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Now, entering his senior season, Boze finds himself in a much different position.
After spending much of last season working his way into the rotation, Boze will enter the new fall season as the most established receiver on USD's roster and the player expected to carry the No. 1 wide receiver responsibility.
With second-team All-American receiver Larenzo Fenner transferring to the University of Cincinnati and veteran receiver Jack Martens graduated, the spotlight has shifted squarely onto Boze as the leader of a young but talented receiving room.
"I am just trying to be consistent each and every day," Boze said of what he expects of himself heading into the new season. "I enjoy the added responsibility, and that's why I honestly came back for this season. I wanted this role. I want to embrace it and take it head on."
Boze earned that opportunity through steady growth throughout the 2025 campaign.
He appeared in all 15 games for the Coyotes and had eight starts, recording at least one reception in every game. His 19 catches for 298 yards ranked third on the team, while his two touchdown receptions both came during the postseason. He found the end zone against Mercer before adding another touchdown reception at Montana in the FCS quarterfinals, helping establish himself as a dependable option when the games mattered most down the stretch.
"I felt like it was just me learning each and every game, and that was my first time getting good playing time last season," Boze said of his game starting to grow toward the end of last season. "I plan on taking that with me this year, and I hope I can produce even more for my team."
USD head coach Matt Vitzthum believes the confidence Boze gained during last year's postseason has carried directly into his preparation for the upcoming season.
"I really feel like Tysen had kind of his coming out party in the playoffs last year, and he has taken that confidence and really kind of rolled throughout the spring with it," Vitzthum said. "You can tell he is much more comfortable and confident in his abilities, and I am excited to see what he can do for us this year."
That confidence will be needed as the Coyotes attempt to replace one of the most productive receiving tandems in program history.
Fenner rewrote the Coyotes' Division I record book last season, setting single-season program records with 1,001 receiving yards and 15 touchdown receptions. Martens complemented Fenner with 34 receptions for 503 yards and four touchdown receptions, finishing second on the team in all three categories.
Combined, the duo accounted for more than 1,500 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns. Replacing that production will not fall entirely on Boze's shoulders, but he will definitely be asked to take on a larger role in the offense.
"I have loved Tysen's progress in the spring, and he has kind of been more of a supporting cast guy, and now, we're asking him to step up in there and he has done a great job," USD offensive coordinator Tim Morrison said. "He is a natural leader, and we have high expectations for him this season as somewhat of that lead guy for us."
Boze believes the group has the talent necessary to continue South Dakota's recent offensive success.
"We have a lot of young guys that are going to help step up and help replace those roles," Boze said. "I feel like we all are very excited to be out there, and we are all itching to make plays. I just can't wait to make these plays out there on the field with my brothers."
While Boze headlines the group, USD's receiving room will feature several players expected to take on expanded responsibilities in 2026.
One of the most intriguing options is senior wide receiver Tennel Bryant, a transfer from Arkansas State who showcased his explosiveness in limited opportunities last season.
The 5-foot-7, 170-pound playmaker finished with nine receptions for 193 yards and a touchdown grab in the playoffs against Mercer. He also contributed as a kick returner and is expected to become a more versatile piece of the offense this season.
"I think Tennel Bryant has had an excellent spring, and we're trying to get him out of that more gadget, slot receiver mold, and stressing him more into the offense and lining him up in every position," Morrison said.
Vitzthum echoed Morrison, and believes Bryant can become one of the offense's most dangerous weapons.
"The guy that everyone forgets about is Tennel Bryant," Vitzthum said. "He is a big weapon for us, and we're going to have to learn how to utilize him in the right ways and I love what he brings to our offense."
Vitzthum and Morrison are also excited about the continued development of Brayden White. The 5-foot-11 sophomore spent much of last season making an impact on special teams, recording more than 300 kickoff-return yards while seeing limited offensive opportunities. Vitzthum believes he is poised for a larger offensive role entering his second season.
"I am super excited about Brayden, and I truly believe he is going to be a special one," Vitzthum said. "He was only a redshirt freshman last season, and he looks much more poised and ready to go to help contribute to our football team."
Andre Jacobs is another player looking to carve out a bigger role. The 6-foot, 195-pound junior saw limited action at receiver last season but enters the year with an opportunity to earn meaningful snaps in a crowded competition.
The Coyotes also added experience through the transfer portal with Bryce Cohoon. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior receiver began his collegiate career at Syracuse before spending the past two seasons at Kansas. Now in Vermillion, Cohoon will look to establish himself within the Coyotes' offensive playbook and compete for targets.
Together, the group forms a receiving corps with plenty of potential but relatively limited production. Morrison said he was pleased with what he saw during the spring period, as it will only ramp up heading into summer workouts and fall camp.
"Overall, the group did everything they were asked throughout the spring, and I am super excited to see what they can achieve this season," Morrison said.