A Season of Ambition
South Dakota State University’s football program has released its 2025 slate, a 12‑game schedule that blends home‑field familiarity with a rigorous road test. Seven of those contests will be played in front of the passionate Brookings crowd, while the remaining five will take the Jackrabbits across the country to face a mix of Division I opponents.
The opening game arrives against Stetson, a matchup that will kick off a season filled with marquee moments. A short week later the team travels to Youngstown State, where quarterback Beau Brungard — who captured the 2024 Walter Payton Award — will lead the offense. The schedule also includes a highly anticipated road test at Northwestern in Evanston, a program that finished 7‑6 last year and captured the GameAbove Sports Bowl.
Conference battles against Illinois State, North Dakota, Murray State, South Dakota, Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois and Indiana State round out the calendar. Each of those opponents represents an opportunity to avenge past defeats; the Jackrabbits have won five straight meetings against North Dakota, including a memorable overtime victory last season.
The 2024 campaign ended with a 9‑5 record and a No. 2 national ranking before quarterback Chase Mason succumbed to injury. Coach Mike Jasper and senior linebacker Todd Stepsis have emphasized discipline, while players such as Griffin Wilde, Ryan Olson, Tommy Rittenhouse, Daniel Sobkowicz, Luke Marble, Jody Wright, Matt Vitzthum and the returning starter Ryan Olson look to fill the void left by Mason.
A nationally televised Halloween showdown with South Dakota will serve as the centerpiece of the schedule, pitting the Jackrabbits against their longtime rivals in a clash that has become a highlight for fans across the region. The game promises fireworks and a chance to extend the five‑game winning streak over the opposition.
With a blend of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, the Jackrabbits enter the season with clear aspirations: a playoff berth and, ultimately, a run at the national championship. The schedule, while challenging, offers a roadmap for turning each game into a statement of intent.