Fcs Football Central

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: South Dakota QB Aidan Bouman

An in-depth look at South Dakota quarterback Aidan Bouman ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft
Gerald J. Huggins II|
South Dakota Coyotes quarterback Aidan Bouman (2) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers
South Dakota Coyotes quarterback Aidan Bouman (2) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

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South Dakota Coyotes

You won't be able to tell the story about South Dakota football without mentioning quarterback Aidan Bouman. He set multiple program records, including becoming the all-time leader in passing yards, completions, and attempts.

Bouman finished with a 32-14 record as the starter at South Dakota, leading the Coyotes to three consecutive appearances in the FCS Playoffs. He is looking to become the first South Dakota quarterback to be selected in the NFL Draft.

Career Statistics: 48 games played, 64% completion percentage, 9,278 passing yards, 68 passing touchdowns, 18 interceptions, 3 rushing TDs

Accolades: All-MVFC Honorable Mention (2024-25), MVFC All-Newcomer Team (2022), FCS Football Central Preseason All-American (2025), Stats Perform Preseason FCS All-American (2025)

Scouting Report:

Aidan Bouman is a tall, left-handed quarterback with a low, sidearm stroke who can whip tight spirals on concepts based on timing and rhythm. He shows impressive short-area velocity and anticipatory skills, leading targets and creating run-after-catch opportunities.

His deep ball is accurate and well-timed, but his overall arm strength is above average, which may limit his ability to consistently drive the ball on intermediate and deep passes, potentially affecting his effectiveness at higher levels.

Bouman holds the ball outside his frame, uses a lot of upper-body torque with an elongated motion, and has a low slot that can invite unwarranted tipped passes. He has an outstanding size but is a below-average to average athlete for the position.

He shows some stiffness in his pocket movement and rarely extends plays with his legs. His mechanics unravel under interior pressure, tending to fade off the back foot. He tends to stare at his first read and seldom works through full progressions.

Under pressure, he becomes skittish, loses his base, and his accuracy suffers. Still, his height, timing, and rhythm passing fit an Erhardt-Perkins system that protects him with definitive reads and play-action shot plays. He projects as an NFL Training Camp/Second-tier league starter prospect with upside to be a QB3.

Projection:

Bouman projects as an NFL mini-camp prospect best suited to an Erhardt-Perkins or West Coast offense. Precise reads and play-action rhythm passing suit his skill set best.

His ceiling is predicated on his ability to refine his release, base, and footwork, as well as his handling of pressure. Has quality backup upside and a CFL/UFL starter floor.

Strengths:

  • Deep ball touch
  • Short-area velocity
  • Rhythm and timing passing
  • Elite size profile

Weaknesses:

  • Throwing mechanics
  • Low release point
  • Processing and progressions
  • Pocket mobility
  • Response to pressure

Best Fit: Erhardt-Perkins/Play-Action Based

Stylistic Player Comp: Sean Mannion

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Gerald J. Huggins II
GERALD J. HUGGINS II

Gerald J. Huggins II is the official NFL Draft analyst for FCS Football Central on SI. He serves as a national scout for the East-West Shrine Bowl and DraftHBCU. Gerald is an official voter for the Aeneas Williams and Jim Thorpe Awards. He also serves as the Director of Football Operations at Morgan State University.

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