Story by
The Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Wade Abrams emerges as anchor of surging USD defense
- Story byThe Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
- Wade Abrams emerges as anchor of surging USD defense
Oct. 15—VERMILLION, S.D. — Wade Abrams has spent the last two seasons learning what it takes to become the linebacker he expected himself to be when he arrived at the University of South Dakota.
Now, seven games into 2026, the results are becoming impossible to ignore. The Coyote linebacker currently leads the Missouri Valley Football Conference with 61 total tackles, averaging 8.7 per game. His 36 solo tackles also lead the league, placing him among the most productive defensive players in the FCS.
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Abrams is tied for seventh nationally in solo tackles and tied for 15th in total tackles, establishing himself as the anchor of a USD defense that has started to find its stride at a pivotal point in the season.
"The biggest thing for me is just confidence and playing free," Abrams said of his improved play this season. "I've put in all the preparation. I've been playing college football for five years now, and I think just bringing it all together and playing with the utmost confidence has really helped me be able to just fly around full speed and be confident out there."
That freedom has translated into production across the board. Along with his team-leading tackle numbers, Abrams has recorded 3.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two quarterback pressures and a forced fumble through seven games. His career-high in single-game tackles came earlier this season against Boise State with 14.
It is the kind of all-around performance USD needs from the middle of its defense, particularly with the toughest stretch of its conference schedule approaching. But Abrams' emergence did not happen overnight.
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Abrams transferred to USD from Valparaiso in 2024, joining a program where he initially spent much of his first season contributing on special teams. The transition gave him an opportunity to learn the system and adjust to a new level of competition, but his second season with the Coyotes presented a different challenge.
Abrams entered last year as a team captain and appeared ready to take on a starting role at linebacker. Instead, his playing time became less predictable than anticipated. Although he started six games, primarily early in the season, he also spent considerable time in a backup role.
"Last year was definitely a year to learn," Abrams said. "It allowed me to understand that every opportunity could be your last. That was a big thing coming into this year; you just never know how many reps you're gonna get. So, I have just taken advantage of every single rep, and have put my best foot forward every single day."
That mindset has helped turn Abrams into a more decisive player this year, one who trusts his preparation and reacts quickly once the ball is snapped.
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USD head coach Matt Vitzthum pointed to Abrams' ability to process information and play fast as two of the biggest differences in his game this season.
"I think in the past there's been a paralysis by analysis type of situation where, you know, he was overthinking it because he's almost overwatched the tape," Vitzthum said. "This year, I think he's getting pre-snap clues. He's dialed into the game plan. Once the ball is snapped, you're starting to see a little bit more reckless spirit out of the kid, and I think he's arriving at the football with violence and finishing."
That development has been supported by the coaching staff's work with Abrams since his arrival in Vermillion.
"The coaches at USD have developed me a ton," Abrams said. "Coming from Valparaiso, I have just made huge strides since I got here. My football IQ and just knowing offensive football and understanding formations has improved drastically the last few years."
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Abrams' individual success has helped USD's defense look much improved when its personnel has been healthy. The Coyotes surrendered just 14 points against Indiana State and followed that performance by allowing only 10 points to then-No. 25 Southern Illinois last week. The back-to-back home victories have helped USD improve to 5-2 overall and 2-1 in Valley play.
The contrast between those performances and USD's 47-28 loss to Youngstown State the week before Indiana State has been significant. Against the Penguins, the Coyotes allowed 502 total yards, including 343 rushing yards.
However, USD was without several important defensive contributors, including linebacker Gabe Hardman, defensive tackle John Starman and cornerback RJ Stewart. With those players available alongside Abrams, the defense has shown what it can look like when its pieces are working together.
Hardman provides another important presence at linebacker, while Starman and Stewart help strengthen the defensive front and secondary. The collective improvement has made it more difficult for opposing offenses to find consistent success the past two weeks.
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Abrams has been at the center of that progress, serving as the anchor of the defense while flying from sideline to sideline and setting the tone alongside Hardman.
"We wouldn't be where we are right now without Wade," Vitzthum said. "His journey is one that you like to tell people a lot. It hasn't been perfect every day here at USD, but he's really bought into the people and the process. And you're starting to see him really bear the fruits of his labor. I am so proud of him."
After spending his first two seasons in Vermillion learning, adjusting and earning his place, Abrams has become the type of difference-maker the Coyotes need as the schedule gets increasingly more difficult. And despite the individual recognition and conference-leading numbers, he believes the defense's best football remains ahead.
"We had a lot of new guys come in, a lot of transfers, and we have just been molding the defense continuously week in and week out," Abrams said. "I truly think that we are one of the best defenses in the country. I say that with so much confidence because when this team is healthy, I'm more confident in this group than any other group in the country."
