South Dakota State Jackrabbits Football: A Legacy of Excellence
The South Dakota State Jackrabbits football team represents South Dakota State University in college football, competing at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level as a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC). The Jackrabbits play their home games at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium on South Dakota State's campus in Brookings, South Dakota. The program has a rich history, marked by consistent success, state-of-the-art facilities, and a passionate fan base.
Program Overview
- University: South Dakota State University
- Location: Brookings, South Dakota
- Division: Division I FCS
- Conference: Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC)
- Stadium: Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium
- Capacity: 19,340
- Field Surface: Turf
- Athletic Director: Justin Sell
- Head Coach: Dan Jackson
- First Season: 1900
- All-Time Record: 661-475-38 (.579)
A History of Success
South Dakota State has been a consistent force in Division I FCS football for the past two decades. The Jackrabbits boast a storied history with numerous conference titles and deep playoff runs.
Early Years and Conference Affiliations
South Dakota State began playing football in 1889 as an independent program. In 1922, they joined the North Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, where they remained for 82 years, competing at the NCAA Division II level. The Jackrabbits claimed 18 conference titles throughout their history, including three in the Missouri Valley.
Transition to Division I FCS
In March 2004, SDSU transitioned to Division I FCS, becoming a charter member of the Great West Football Conference. They remained in the Great West until 2007, before joining the Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2008.
Recent Dominance
South Dakota State has reached the Football Championship Subdivision semi-finals seven times in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 respectively. They advanced to their first national championship game on May 8, 2021 after defeating the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens 33-3 in the national semi-finals. They played No. 2 Sam Houston State for the national championship on May 16, 2021 and lost 23-21. The Jackrabbits finished the season 8-2 and as national runner-ups.
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The Jackrabbits won their first national championship in 2022, defeating rival North Dakota State. On January 7, 2024, the Jackrabbits successfully defended their National Title when they defeated the Montana Grizzlies football team 23-3.
Playoff Appearances
Through November 2024, the Jackrabbits have appeared in the FCS playoffs fourteen times with an overall record of 24-12 (.667). They have made 13 consecutive appearances in the FCS playoffs, currently the second-longest streak in the nation. In that span the Jackrabbits have won two national titles, one runner-up finish and have appeared in the semifinals seven times.
Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium: A Premier FCS Venue
South Dakota State University has invested heavily in its football program's facilities, creating some of the finest amenities at the FCS level.
Construction and Features
In 2014, South Dakota State University started construction of a new stadium on the location of the current Coughlin-Alumni Stadium. The stadium, named Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium for university benefactor and former football player Dana J. Dykhouse, boasts a capacity of 19,340. It also features the largest video/scoreboard in the FCS, installed in 2015.
Stiegelmeier Family Student-Athlete Center
The Stiegelmeier Family Student-Athlete Center (formerly the Sanford Jackrabbit Athletic Complex) is the Jackrabbits new State-of-the-art indoor practice facility. The facility was opened on October 11, 2014. The 149,284-square foot facility is one of the largest indoor practice facilities in NCAA Division I.
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The Stiegelmeier Family Student-Athlete Center has bleacher seating for up to 1,000 spectators and can be used for football practice, track practice, softball and baseball practice, track competitions, and other events within the SDSU athletic department. Inside the track is an 80-yard football field plus end zones at each end and is composed of a soy-based Astroturf.
Amenities
Connected to the student-athlete center is one of the largest indoor practice facilities in NCAA Division I (completed in 2014). Within the facility it has areas for sports medicine and strength and conditioning. Sports medicine features include rehab space, a training room, weight room expansion, hydrotherapy, a football team room, offices and academic advising facilities.
National Recognition
The success of the South Dakota State and North Dakota State football programs led to the Dakota Marker game being featured on ESPN’s nationally televised College GameDay on October 26, 2019, making South Dakota State one of only a few FCS programs to be featured on the show. For the 2019 GameDay matchup, the No. 3 Jackrabbits hosted the No.
South Dakota State is also one of only 13 FCS schools to host ESPN's College GameDay.
Jackrabbits in the NFL
A total of 34 Jackrabbits have played for NFL teams, including eight signed to team rosters as of September 2024. Pierre Strong Jr. There have been a total of 29 Jackrabbits drafted in the NFL draft.
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Broadcast Coverage
All home and road games are covered on the Jackrabbit Sports Network. The Missouri Valley Football Conference and ESPN have signed a six-year media rights agreement, effective from the 2024 season. As part of the deal, a minimum of nine games will be showcased on ESPN, ESPN 2, or ESPN U throughout the contract. Additionally, the MVFC will maintain its "game of the week" digital package on ESPN+. The agreement also includes exclusive airing of additional league contests on ESPN platforms.
Coaching Staff
- Head Coach: Dan Jackson (2025-present)
- Longtime Head Coach: John Stiegelmeier (retired after 36 years)
- New Head Football Coach: Jimmy Rogers
Seasons
The following is a list of seasons completed by the South Dakota State Jackrabbits football team.
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