In a move that promises to bolster South Dakota State University’s proud football heritage, head coach Dan Jackson has announced the appointment of Zane Busekist and Logan McCormick to the Jackrabbits’ defensive coaching staff. This strategic development is set to enhance the team’s performance as they aim to maintain their status as perennial contenders in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
South Dakota State has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in college football, finishing the 2024 season with an impressive 12-3 record. Their association with success has been evident through their back-to-back Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) national titles in 2022 and 2023. As the Jackrabbits continue their preparations for the 2025 campaign, the new appointees bring a wealth of experience and ambition to the table.
Dan Jackson
Dan Jackson, the dynamic head coach of the Jackrabbits, expressed his enthusiasm about the new additions, stating, “Zane is young, motivated, hungry, and a highly intelligent coach who will make a difference with our linebackers.” Busekist, a Nebraska native, has been appointed to the role of linebackers coach. His previous experience at Boise State, where he served as an assistant defensive line coach, has equipped him with the strategic insight needed to uplift the defensive unit at South Dakota State.
At Boise State, Busekist played a pivotal role in helping the Broncos achieve back-to-back Mountain West Conference championships with an impressive 20-8 record over two seasons. Under his guidance, the defensive unit set a school record with 55 sacks in a single season and an average of just 3.4 yards allowed per rushing attempt in 2024. His leadership contributed to Boise State’s qualification for the College Football Playoff and their participation in the Fiesta Bowl.
Joining him is Logan McCormick, who has been tasked with leading the defensive line. McCormick arrives from Northwestern, where he was an assistant defensive line coach under former Jackrabbit assistant, Christian Smith. “Logan’s been a winner his entire life,” Coach Jackson commented. “Besides bringing that mindset to our program, he’ll be able to make a seamless transition to our program schematically.”
McCormick brings a wealth of experience from his playing days at North Dakota State, where he was a crucial part of a team that secured four FCS national titles. His journey has come full circle as he returns to the Midwest to impart his knowledge and winning mentality to the Jackrabbits. The Wisconsin native started his coaching career at James Madison, helping them achieve bowl eligibility during their transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
South Dakota State’s leadership remains committed to a legacy of success both on and off the field. The Jackrabbits’ ongoing postseason streak of 13 consecutive appearances is a testament to their strategic foresight and dedication to building a robust football program. As they look to the future, the integration of Busekist and McCormick into the coaching fraternity is expected to drive South Dakota State towards continued success.
The people of South Dakota share a deep connection with the Jackrabbits, whose games are a much-anticipated event, drawing fans from across the state. South Dakota’s vibrant community spirit, coupled with a passion for football, creates an electrifying atmosphere in Brookings that not only fuels team pride but also fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.
As the countdown begins for another season brimming with promise and potential, the Jackrabbits’ commitment to excellence stands as a beacon of South Dakota’s sporting lineage. With the fresh ideas and seasoned acumen brought by Busekist and McCormick, the Jackrabbits are well-positioned to scale new heights in college football, underlining their commitment to maintaining and elevating South Dakota State’s storied football tradition.
The journey that lies ahead for the Jackrabbits will not only be one of strategic plays and rigorous training but also a narrative of community, shared dreams, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As the new defensive staff settles in, South Dakota fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding of a season where expectations are high, and the possibilities are endless.