In the heart of the Midwest, the 2025 South Dakota State Jackrabbits football team is gearing up for a promising season, bringing both pride and excitement to Brookings, South Dakota. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Dan Jackson, the Jackrabbits are poised to make their mark in the NCAA Division I FCS football season as members of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC).
South Dakota State University, nestled in the bustling community of Brookings, has long been a powerhouse in college athletics, especially within the local and regional demographic who eagerly support the Jackrabbits. The 2025 season brings a fresh wave of anticipation among South Dakota residents and alumni as the team prepares to compete in high-stakes games against renowned rivals.
At the helm is Coach Dan Jackson, who previously served as the defensive coordinator at Idaho. His arrival heralds a new era for the Jackrabbits, as he takes over from the much-lauded Jimmy Rogers, now leading Washington State. Alongside Jackson, Eric Eidsness assumes the role of offensive coordinator, while Brian Bergstrom manages defensive strategies—all in their first seasons.
The Jackrabbits’ home games will unfold at the state-of-the-art Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, a venue that has been an integral part of the school and community since its opening in 2016. The stadium, located in Brookings, is not just a sports facility but a hub of regional pride, drawing thousands of fans who galvanize the city with their spirit and dedication to South Dakota State University.
South Dakota, with its expansive plains and vibrant cultures, is deeply intertwined with the state’s sporting identities, and football lies at the heart of it. The Jackrabbits’ fixtures promise thrilling encounters, starting with a non-conference face-off against Sacramento State and culminating with the highly anticipated Dakota Marker game against North Dakota State on October 25, 2025. This matchup is more than a game; it’s a symbol of regional rivalry and athletic prestige.
The football season isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of South Dakota’s community spirit. The expected rivals include Northern Iowa, Youngstown State, and South Dakota—a match set to take place at the iconic DakotaDome in Vermillion on November 8, 2025, further strengthening the rivalry between the schools.
For the people of South Dakota, support for the Jackrabbits extends beyond the playing field. It is reflected in local businesses adorning shopfronts in blue and yellow, and community gatherings that showcase collective enthusiasm for the home team. The team’s success in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) is a source of immense pride for the state, with every victory resonating deeply within its communities.
As the season inches closer, the spotlight remains firmly on the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. With a new coaching staff and a seasoned team of players, hopes are pinned on both individual brilliance and collective effort. Coach Jackson and his coordinators, Eric Eidsness and Brian Bergstrom, are determined to outmaneuver opponents through innovative strategies and unwavering teamwork.
University alumni and sports enthusiasts across South Dakota will follow the team’s journey closely, celebrating each win and rallying behind the Jackrabbits on the road to potential championship glory. The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable—all eyes are on South Dakota State University as it stands as a beacon of higher learning and athletic excellence.
This season’s narrative isn’t just about the Games; it’s a testament to the resilience and fervor of South Dakota and its remarkable ability to unite people through sport, creating an indelible legacy in college football history.