A New Chapter for the Jackrabbits
The 2026 college football season will begin with a marquee matchup as South Dakota State University travels to face Northwestern University on September 5. The game marks the first meeting between the two programs in over a decade and sets the tone for a year that promises plenty of drama in the FCS.
SDSU entered the 2025 campaign as one of the most dominant teams in the subdivision, finishing with a 9‑5 overall record and a 4‑4 mark in conference play. The Jackrabbits rode a strong start that saw them win five of their first six games before a cascade of injuries tested their depth.
The most significant setback came when starting quarterback Chase Mason went down with a shoulder injury, forcing the team to adjust its offensive scheme mid‑season. Despite the disruption, the offense managed to stay productive, thanks in large part to the continued presence of playmakers such as wide receivers Grahm Goering, Jack Smith, Lofton O’Groske and tight end Greyton Gannon.
Rebuilding Around a Young Core
Head coach Dan Jackson, now in his second year at the helm, has emphasized continuity and development. Jackson highlighted the importance of the returning skill position players, noting that their experience will be crucial as the team integrates new talent at the line and in the secondary.
On defense, the Jackrabbits boast a formidable front line anchored by Logan Green, who recorded 10 tackles‑for‑loss and 5.5 sacks in 2025. Complementing Green are fellow linemen Dawson Ripperda and Quinten Christensen, who provide depth and versatility. The linebacking corps, featuring Cullen McShane and Joe Ollman, returns with a blend of size and speed that should help shore up the interior.
The secondary, which struggled with consistency in 2025, has been bolstered by the addition of transfer cornerback Noah St‑Juste and safety Dontay Jackson. Both players arrived with proven track records and are expected to elevate the unit’s performance against high‑powered passing attacks.
Conference Outlook and Schedule
Beyond the Northwestern opener, SDSU’s schedule includes contests against traditional FCS powerhouses such as North Dakota State, South Dakota, and Youngstown State. Each game presents a unique challenge, but the Jackrabbits’ coaching staff believes the blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent positions them to compete for a conference title.
The broader landscape of the Missouri Valley Football Conference also features other contenders, including Drake University, Indiana State and Illinois State, all of whom are expected to bring competitive firepower to the league. SDSU’s performance against these teams could ultimately shape their postseason aspirations.
Fans can look forward to a season filled with high‑stakes matchups, and the early-season clash with Northwestern will serve as a litmus test for the Jackrabbits’ readiness. As the team prepares to take the field, the excitement is palpable, and the hope is that the lessons learned from a challenging 2025 campaign will translate into a stronger, more resilient 2026 campaign.