A historic return
South Dakota State University’s baseball program, once dormant, is set to make its first NCAA tournament appearance in over a decade after a dramatic victory over Oral Roberts in the Summit League championship.
The Jackrabbits will travel to Lincoln, Nebraska, where they join a regional that also features Ole Miss, Arizona State and the host Huskers, who are staging their first regional since 2008 and hold a 19‑4 edge in the all‑time series against SDSU.
Ole Miss arrives as the defending national champions from 2022, while Arizona State brings a potent lineup highlighted by sophomore slugger Landon Hairston, who smashed a Sun Devils single‑season record 28 home runs in 56 games.
SDSU’s starting nine in the Summit League final was a blend of youth and experience, featuring five sophomores, two freshmen and two juniors, including standouts such as pitcher Jett Buck and outfielder Carson Jasa.
Key contributors for the Jackrabbits include right‑hander Ty Horn, left‑hander Kole Klecker and utility player Austin Henry, while veteran presence comes from senior pitcher Luke Luskey and catcher Cole Carlon.
Coach Will Bolt, who has guided the team through a rebuilding phase, praised the depth of talent, noting that players like Drew Grego, Mac Moyer and Tristan Bissetta have stepped up in critical moments.
The upcoming matchup against Nebraska will test the Jackrabbits against a familiar foe; Nebraska leads the series 19‑4, and the game promises a clash of pitching aces, with Joba Chamberlain and Brian Duensing among the alumni who have left their mark on the program.