By Jayden Mies
Freelance reporter
jayden.mies@usd382.com
While a student at Pratt High School, Travis Theis made a name for himself. He led the Greenbacks to a 4A State Championship title in 2016 (the first in 20 years) and a state runner-up finish in 2018.
Theis then signed on at the University of South Dakota to play football and used his dogged determination and never-give-up attitude to become a strong leader for the Coyotes team.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned at South Dakota is the value of resilience and teamwork,” Theis said. “Over the past six years, I’ve learned that you can’t succeed alone, and it’s vital to keep pushing even when things get tough and look ugly. Those lessons will stay with me as I move forward.”
The 2024 season, Theis’s last at South Dakota, was one to remember for the Pratt native. The Coyotes claimed a 7-1 conference record and an overall record of 11-3. This included an exciting 29-28 win over rival North Dakota State, who would eventually go on to win the FCS National Championship.
With this record, the Coyotes were able to reach the FCS Playoffs, where they would make a deep run. They won thrillers against Tarleton State and UC Davis in the second round and quarterfinals, which then matched them up against the Montana State Bobcats in the semifinal game in December.
Montana State had been the #1 overall team in the tournament, being the only one with an undefeated record. The Coyotes fought hard in this whole game, but unfortunately fell short by a final score of 17-31. Theis had a great stat line in his final contest, rushing 14 times for 110 yards and a 55-yard touchdown.
“My advice to anyone wanting to pursue sports in college would be to stay disciplined, both on and off the field,” Theis said. “Balance is key, and always be ready to put in the work.”
Since his early childhood, Travis had demonstrated a strong passion for the sport of football. He loved the “work.” He played with intense physicality and the desire to win at whatever cost. This was evident in his two middle school seasons and all through high school where he was a four-year letter-winner for the high school team. Along the way, Theis accumulated countless honors, drew attention from sports fans and followers across the country, and left a definite impact in the minds of many of what it meant to be a Greenback.
Over his high school career, Theis compiled stats in all areas of the game that combine to remain one of the most dominant careers the state of Kansas has ever seen. He was named as the Kansas All-Classes Offensive Player of the Year, earned All-State Honors in three seasons, and was a four-time All-League Honoree. In total, Theis rushed 841 times, totaling 6,744 yards and 101 touchdowns with an average of 8 yards per carry. He had an outstanding senior season as well. In 2018, he ran for 2,608 yards on 230 attempts and 43 touchdowns. These stats produced an unrivaled yards per carry of 11.3 for the Greenback nation.
Theis continued to maintain and excellent stat line at the University of South Dakota where he played football starting in 2019. Through his first two seasons of a six-year college career, Theis accumulated just over 200 rushing yards over 54 carries with a pair of touchdowns. He then saw a much larger role as he began his 2021 season with more than 150 carries, 670+ yards, and eight touchdowns. In his last three seasons, Theis continued to increase in carries, yards, and touchdowns each year. Theis also became a threat on the receiving end, as he began to pile up solid numbers in that category.
The most impressive of these was his 2024 senior season. As a senior captain and team leader, Theis tallied 1,172 yards on 187 carries and a monstrous 19 touchdowns. These statistics brought his yards per carry to an outstanding 6.3. In the receiving category, he totaled 33 receptions for 385 yards and two touchdowns, which made his yards per catch to be 11.7.
Of all his stats that could be listed, however, one the most impressive has to be Theis’s zero fumbles in his senior year. That means that over his 187 carries and 33 receptions, none of them resulted in a gain of possession for the opposing team. This further illustrates Theis’s reliability and the very reason why he was one of the most-used on the Coyote offense.
Many honors came Theis’ way as a college football player. He made the Missouri Valley Football Conference Honor Roll in the 2022-23 year, won the MVFC Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award in that same year, was a team captain his last two seasons and Second Team All-MVFC in 2023, was First Team All-MVFC in 2024, as well as Second Team All-American in that same year (AFCA).
As a student at South Dakota, Theis majored in Interdisciplinary Studies, and he said he wishes to chase down some big dreams.
“My plan is to pursue pro football opportunities and start coaching college football when my playing days are over. This will begin by training in Minneapolis at Tria GameFace for NFL Pro Day Prep,” he said.
Recently, he made his official declaration for the 2025 NFL draft on social media, where he will look to find his next home at the highest level anyone can dream. He reportedly is currently in Green Bay, Wisconsin working out with the Packers.
Theis will always be remembered at Pratt and abroad for his unparalleled effort and passion in both football and life. Though he excelled individually, based on his personal work ethic and indomitable mindset, Theis was always a team player.
“Some of my favorite memories include being one of the captains for the last two years and helping lead the team through two deep playoff runs,” Theis said. “Those experiences taught me a lot about leadership, and I’ll always cherish the bond we built as a team.”
Theis’ hometown fans and larger national followers wait with bated breath to see where he might land next in the football world, hopefully with an NFL team when his exploits may be followed. Updates will follow.
