‘Pioneer Woman’s’ son announces plans to play football at USD

Todd Drummond, the son of a well-known television personality, blogger and food writer known as the “Pioneer Woman,” announced on social media that he will play football for the University of South Dakota.

Ree Drummond hosts a show on the Food Network and is active on social media herself. She announced her youngest child’s athletic plans on social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram.

“Beyond happy for my youngest kid. @usd is such a perfect fit for him in every way. Congrats, Todd..and @SDCoyotesFB here we come! #GoYotes,” Ree Drummond posted.

Todd’s Twitter account displays a photo of him in a USD football uniform.

However, USD cannot confirm that Todd will wear its traditional red-and-white colors when football season begins in 2023. That’s because it is too soon for the rising senior at Pawhuska High School in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, to sign a national letter of intent. The earliest that can happen is mid-December, said Bryan Boettcher, assistant athletic director for sports information at USD.

“We’re able to make offers to kids but nothing contractually that binds either party to that decision,” he said. “Kids can say whatever they want.”

The NCAA prohibits a college from quoting a student’s tweet announcing a decision on which team he or she will play for, although “liking” such an announcement is permitted. The 500-plus likes on Todd’s tweet include David Herbster, USD director of athletics; Travis Johansen, USD’s defensive coordinator; Boyer Bouman, an assistant coach; and Miles Taylor, defensive backs and pass game coordinator.

Student-athletes announce their intention to commit to a college early for several reasons, Boettcher said. One is to let other schools know a decision has been made and they can end their pursuit. Another reason is to tell the college “I’m planning on coming to you, please save a scholarship for me,” Boettcher said.

Todd announced on social media in April that he had visited the USD campus.

According to past information on Todd, he followed in his older brother Bryce’s footsteps as starting quarterback at Pawhuska High School.

In a post on Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman website, it states Todd has recorded more than 4,300 passing yards and 59 passing touchdowns so far in his high school career.

Todd’s sisters posted their excitement on social media too. “I’m about to take so many road trips to South Dakota,” wrote his sister Alex. His sister Paige said, “YES TODDY!!! Hard work pays off!”

In December, Ree Drummond wrote about Todd’s heart for football and “the dedication he’s shown every single day — and especially Friday nights — this fall. I couldn’t be prouder of my youngest kid. Love you Todd, and can’t wait for next season!!”

Drummond began blogging in May 2006. It originally was titled Confessions of a Pioneer Woman, writing about topic such as ranch life and homeschooling. Her first recipe, including a tutorial on properly cooking a steak, was posted about a year later.

Since then, she has expanded into food photography, books for adults and children, and television. Her Food Network show, “The Pioneer Woman,” premiered Aug. 27, 2011.

Drummond and her husband, Ladd, are the parents of five children. Bryce plays football for the University of North Texas. Their foster son, Jamar, plays football at the University of Central Oklahoma. The couple own a restaurant, pizzeria, bed-and-breakfast, and ice cream shop.