In a significant announcement that reverberates across the fields and communities of South Dakota, Dan Jackson, head football coach at South Dakota State University (SDSU), has completed his inaugural coaching staff. This development comes on January 24, 2025, with the hiring of experienced coaches Luke Bengtson and Marcus McLin to bolster the Jackrabbits’ football prowess further.
South Dakota’s passion for football runs deep, deeply intertwined with the state’s identity and culture. The addition of Bengtson and McLin not only enhances the team’s strategic capabilities but also fortifies the Jackrabbits’ standing as a formidable force in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
Dan Jackson
South Dakotans, known for their robust agricultural background and tight-knit communities, take immense pride in their local heroes, such as the SDSU Jackrabbits. With a 12-3 record in the 2024 season and a share of the Missouri Valley Football Conference title, SDSU’s football team epitomizes the very spirit and resilience that the state embodies.
Coach Profiles: Luke Bengtson and Marcus McLin
Luke Bengtson brings nearly 15 years of coaching experience to the SDSU football program. Having served most recently as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Virginia Union, Bengtson helped the team secure a commendable 29-7 record from 2022 to 2024, averaging an impressive 43 points per game.
Under Bengtson’s leadership, Virginia Union set over 20 school and conference offensive records, made three NCAA Division II playoff appearances, and claimed consecutive CIAA championships in the past two seasons. His extensive experience will be pivotal in enhancing the Jackrabbits’ offense.
Luke Bengtson
“Luke had one of the most successful and prolific offenses in all of college football last season,” stated Coach Jackson. “He’s going to come in and provide ideas while also bringing a lot of experience in developing players.”
Meanwhile, Marcus McLin’s exemplary record as a defensive strategist complements SDSU’s strategic vision. During his tenure at Wisconsin-Whitewater, McLin led a defensive unit that ranked at the top of the conference in both scoring and total defense for 2023 and 2024. His dual role as associate head coach and defensive backs coach further honed his skills in mentoring young athletes.
As a former team captain of the Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawks 2014 NCAA Division III national championship team, McLin’s rich legacy as a player transitions into his coaching methodologies. McLin’s expertise is expected to be a valuable asset in sustaining and advancing the Jackrabbits’ defensive stronghold.
Marcus McLin
“Marcus has been a really successful coordinator and sees the game in a big-picture way,” remarked Coach Jackson. “He’s going to be a huge help to Coach (Brian) Bergstrom in game-planning and mentoring our players.”
South Dakota State: Excellence in Football
South Dakota State’s football legacy is robust, having won back-to-back Football Championship Subdivision national titles in 2022 and 2023. The team is on a remarkable streak of 13 consecutive postseason appearances as they head into 2025, capturing the collective spirit and determination of South Dakotans everywhere.
As fans and families gather in the stands of Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, the heart of Brookings, South Dakota beats with each touchdown and tackle made by their beloved Jackrabbits. The football program not only serves as a source of pride but also as an element that unites the community, evident in the extensive local support and attendance at games.
With the newly instated coaching staff, South Dakota State’s football program is poised for continued excellence and remains a beacon of the state’s athletic and scholastic achievements, signifying both state pride and the future possibilities for its students and athletes.
SDSU invites fans to stay engaged and connected through their official website and newsletters, where ongoing updates and season highlights will be shared, ensuring that the pulse of South Dakota football remains vibrant and strong throughout the upcoming season.
Contact SDSU Athletics for more information and ways to get involved with Jackrabbits football.