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| South Dakota State Jackrabbits football players | |
|---|---|
| Name | South Dakota State Jackrabbits football players |
| Currentseason | 2025 South Dakota State Jackrabbits football team |
| Firstyear | 1889 |
| Stadium | Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium |
| Location | Brookings, South Dakota |
| Conference | Missouri Valley Football Conference |
| Website | www.gojacks.com |
South Dakota State Jackrabbits football players are the athletes who have represented South Dakota State University in intercollegiate football since the program's inception in 1889. The roster of Jackrabbits players has included competitors who advanced to the National Football League, garnered All-America honors, and influenced the development of the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision, and earlier iterations such as the North Central Conference. The program's players have ties to notable institutions, events, and awards across American college football.
South Dakota State's roster evolution reflects ties to regional and national institutions including South Dakota State University, Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, and conferences like the Missouri Valley Football Conference and NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. Early standouts competed when the program was affiliated with the North Central Conference alongside teams such as North Dakota State University and University of North Dakota. Coaching eras under figures connected to programs like Iowa State Cyclones football and University of Iowa produced players who later faced opponents from University of Montana and Montana State University in playoff competition. The program's schedule often included matchups with schools from the Big Sky Conference and non-conference games versus programs like University of Minnesota and Kansas State University, shaping recruiting pipelines across the Midwest and the Plains.
Prominent alumni include players who reached the National Football League and earned recognition with franchises such as the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, and Dallas Cowboys. Alumni names associated with professional careers include figures linked to postseason rosters and practice squads of the Super Bowl era. Several Jackrabbits have joined coaching staffs at institutions like Kansas State University, University of South Dakota, University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, and University of Minnesota, amplifying the program’s influence across the Big Ten Conference, the Big 12 Conference, and the Sun Belt Conference.
Jackrabbits players have received All-America honors at the FCS level, with selections from organizations such as the Walter Camp Football Foundation, Associated Press, and The Sports Network (United Press International). Awarded recognitions include positional accolades and national lists that have connected SDSU players to awards like the Buck Buchanan Award and nominations tied to the Walter Payton Award. Notable award-winners have appeared on watch lists alongside athletes from James Madison University, North Dakota State University, Montana State University, and Montana.
Statistical leaders among Jackrabbits include career, single-season, and single-game records in passing, rushing, receiving, tackles, sacks, and interceptions, with top performers ranking amid FCS statistical leaders alongside names from Southland Conference and Big Sky Conference history. Record holders have set marks at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium and previously at venues used during matchups with programs like University of Northern Iowa and Missouri State University. Seasonal statistics placed some Jackrabbits atop national leaderboards compiled by outlets such as the Associated Press and STATS Perform.
SDSU players who entered the NFL Draft have been selected across multiple rounds and signed as undrafted free agents, joining organizations including the Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, and Baltimore Ravens. Drafted alumni have participated in NFL Combine events and Pro Day workouts, showcasing skills evaluated by scouts from the National Football League Scouting Combine. Some players transitioned to professional leagues beyond the NFL, affiliating with the Canadian Football League, XFL, and USFL, and competing against athletes from programs such as Liberty University and Eastern Washington University.
The program has honored standout Jackrabbits through jersey dedications, hall of fame inductions at South Dakota State University and recognition by conference entities like the Missouri Valley Football Conference Hall of Fame. Retired numbers and uniform honors celebrate players whose careers are tied to milestone victories over opponents including North Dakota State University and landmark playoff performances in the FCS Playoffs. Institutional honors extend to academic accolades and community awards in Brookings, South Dakota.
Recruiting pipelines for SDSU involve high school programs across South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and North Dakota, as well as transfers from institutions such as Junior College Athletic Association members and NCAA Division II programs. Developmental focus has aligned with coaching pedigrees linked to schools like Iowa State University, University of Iowa, and Kansas State University, emphasizing transitions to professional opportunities and academic progression within South Dakota State University.
Jackrabbits players have contributed to competitive parity in the FCS and have played roles in marquee matchups against FBS programs, influencing scheduling decisions and television exposure with networks covering events like the FCS Playoffs and national broadcasts. Alumni coaching appointments and professional careers have created networks reaching the NFL and collegiate conferences including the Big Ten Conference and Big 12 Conference, cementing the program's legacy across regional and national stages.
Category:South Dakota State Jackrabbits football