The South Dakota State Jackrabbits football program is looking to turn the page after a 2025 season that ended with a 9‑5 record and its shortest playoff run since 2019. While the numbers tell a story of near‑misses, the team’s focus is already shifting toward a fresh start.
A Culture of High Standards
Head coach Dan Jackson has instituted a clear mantra: ‘The statement is the standard.’ His insistence on toughness in practice and consistency in expectations has removed external pressure, allowing players to focus on internal growth.
Seniors Chase Mason and Logan Green embody that mindset. Both say they feel no added burden from Jackson’s demanding standards, instead drawing confidence from a shared commitment to the team’s success.
Green adds a sense of pride and responsibility, noting that the senior class learned how to win during the 2022 national championship season and now wants to avoid another year without a deep playoff run.
The Jackrabbits also benefit from the rigorous competition of the Missouri Valley Football Conference, widely regarded as the strongest FCS league. That environment prepares them for the challenges of a national title chase.
Looking ahead to the fall, the 2026 squad is determined to improve on the injuries that derailed the previous season. With a unified vision and a culture built on collective success, the team aims to better not only the program but also the broader community it represents.