South Dakota State Jackrabbits football

South Dakota State Jackrabbits football
Name	South Dakota State Jackrabbits football
Founded	1889
University	South Dakota State University
Conference	Missouri Valley Football Conference (primary)
Division	NCAA Division I FCS
Stadium	Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium
Capacity	19,340
City	Brookings, South Dakota
Colors	Blue and Yellow
Head coach	Jimmy Rogers
Mascot	Jack Rabbit
Fight song	"Ring the Bell"

South Dakota State Jackrabbits football. The program represents South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota and competes at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision level as a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Established in 1889, it is one of the oldest collegiate football programs in the upper Midwestern United States and has developed into a national power in the modern era. The team plays its home games at the state-of-the-art Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, located on the university's campus.

History

The inaugural season in 1889 featured a single game against South Dakota, beginning a storied Dakota Marker rivalry. Early decades saw the program compete as an independent and within the North Central Conference, achieving success under coaches like Ralph Ginn and Allyn McKeen. The transition to the NCAA Division II level in the 1970s culminated in a national championship game appearance in 1981. A pivotal move occurred in 2004 with the transition to NCAA Division I-AA, now known as the Football Championship Subdivision, and joining the Great West Football Conference before finding a permanent home in the Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2008. This era, guided by coaches John Stiegelmeier and Jimmy Rogers, has been defined by consistent playoff appearances and national title contention.

Championships

The program's first national championship arrived in 2022, defeating the North Dakota State Bison in the FCS National Championship Game held at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. This was followed by a second consecutive title in 2023, cementing the team's dynasty status. At the conference level, the Jackrabbits have won multiple Missouri Valley Football Conference championships, including titles in 2022 and 2023. Prior to the FCS era, the team claimed numerous North Central Conference championships and made the 1981 NCAA Division II Football Championship game. These achievements are complemented by numerous playoff appearances in the NCAA Division I Football Championship.

Notable players

Many players have advanced to the professional ranks, including Adam Vinatieri, a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist and four-time Super Bowl champion considered one of the greatest placekickers in National Football League history. Other prominent NFL alumni are Dallas Goedert, a standout tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Zach Zenner, a running back for the Detroit Lions. Standout quarterback Mark Gronowski was the offensive MVP of the 2023 FCS National Championship Game. Additional notable alumni include Steve Heiden, Jim Langer—a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame—and Dale Moss, who also played in the NBA G League.

Head coaches

The program has been led by a succession of influential figures. John Stiegelmeier, the longest-tenured coach, served from 1997 to 2022 and guided the transition to FCS, building the foundation for the national championships. His protégé, Jimmy Rogers, a former Jackrabbits linebacker and long-time assistant, succeeded him and led the team to the 2023 title in his first season. Historical coaches of note include Ralph Ginn in the early 20th century and Allyn McKeen, who later found success at Mississippi State University. More recent predecessors include Mike Daly and Tony Annexstad.

Rivalries

The most intense rivalry is with the North Dakota State Bison, competing for the Dakota Marker in a game that often decides the Missouri Valley Football Conference championship and has recent national title implications. The historic South Dakota State–South Dakota football rivalry for the Dakota Marker (distinct from the NDSU trophy) dates to 1889 and is one of the oldest in college football. A significant former rivalry existed with the University of Northern Iowa Panthers within the North Central Conference and Missouri Valley Football Conference. Games against the University of North Dakota have also grown in importance since both joined the FCS and the same conference.

Facilities

The team's home since 2016 is Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, a 19,340-seat venue named for a major donor and featuring premium suites and the Southeast Technical Institute Athletic Training Education Center. Prior to this, the team played for decades at Coughlin–Alumni Stadium, which opened in 1962 and was named for benefactors Sylvan C. Coughlin and the SDSU Alumni Association. The team's operational and training hub is the Sanford-Jackrabbit Athletic Complex, a comprehensive facility that supports all SDSU Athletics programs. Practice fields and the Stanley J. Marshall Training Center further support daily football operations.

Category:South Dakota State University Category:NCAA Division I FCS football teams Category:Missouri Valley Football Conference Category:College football in the United States