Modrzewski shines in college debut

Most redshirt freshman athletes take their time properly adjusting into the size and speed of the college game. For the Coyotes, Austyn Modrzewski seems to be up to speed almost instantly. 

Modrzewski turned many heads in his college debut at the University of South Dakota in the Dakota Dome against Central Connecticut State. 

After going three and out on his openeing drive, the redshirt freshman turned it around and lead the Coyotes to six straight TD scoring drives. Finishing the game with 304 yards and six passing touchdowns, scoring a 306.7 passer rating. He did this while also having two carries for 81 yards and a rushing touchdown. The Coyotes won in blowout fashion 59-20. 

Because of his performance, the quarterback won the Stats Perform National Freshman of the Week award, as well as earning the Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive and Newcomer of the Week honors. He tied the school record for most touchdown passes in a single game. Modrzewski also broke the record for the most passing yards in a debut game. 

This was also Head Coach Matt Vitzthum’s USD debut, having taken over the program on February 6. Vitzthum became the first coach since 2003 to win their first game. 

The explosive start gives hope to the Coyotes, coming off a 10-5 season that ended in a 52-22 loss against the Montana Grizzlies in the quarterfinals of the 2025-2026 FCS Playoffs. The Coyotes are coming off their third straight season of winning 10+ games, the first time they have accomplished this feat in program history. 

The Coyotes look to continue their success into their next game, traveling to play the Northern Colorado Bears on September 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Photo Credit: Colton Tolly