South Dakota State Opens New Era Under Dan Jackson, While South Dakota Falls to Iowa State in College Football Action

South Dakota State football began a new chapter on August 30, 2025, as both major South Dakota collegiate programs took the field in season-opening contests that showcased contrasting fortunes for the state’s football programs.

South Dakota State Battles Sacramento State in Season Opener

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits opened their 2025 campaign at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, facing off against the Sacramento State Hornets in what marked the first game under new head coach Dan Jackson. The highly anticipated matchup between two ranked FCS programs saw South Dakota State leading 17-3 at halftime.

The game represented a significant transition for the third-ranked Jackrabbits, who were coming off a successful 2024 season that included a 12-3 overall record and a semifinal appearance in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. Jackson, taking over the program’s reins, faced the challenge of maintaining the program’s high standards while implementing his own system.

Sacramento State entered the contest as the 14th/15th-ranked team in preseason polls, despite finishing just 3-9 the previous season. The Hornets underwent a dramatic roster overhaul under new head coach Brennan Marion, bringing in over 70 new players, including more than 50 transfers, with 34 coming from FBS programs. Marion, the former UNLV offensive coordinator known for his “Go-Go” offense, was tasked with immediately elevating the program’s competitiveness.

The matchup carried additional intrigue due to Sacramento State’s ongoing aspirations for FBS membership, having left the Big Sky Conference to become an FCS independent while their other sports joined the Big West Conference. School president Luke Wood had previously made controversial comments about the FCS level, calling it “JV,” which added tension to the proceedings.

Despite the significant roster changes and new leadership on both sides, South Dakota State appeared to establish early control, building a 17-3 halftime advantage. The Jackrabbits’ ability to perform effectively in their season opener under Jackson’s guidance suggested a smooth transition for the traditionally strong program.

Iowa State Dominates South Dakota in Lopsided Victory

Meanwhile, the South Dakota Coyotes experienced a difficult season opener, falling 55-7 to No. 22 Iowa State in Ames, Iowa. The game highlighted the significant gap between FCS and FBS competition, as the Cyclones overwhelmed their lower-division opponents.

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht delivered a historic performance, completing 19 of 20 passes for a school-record 95% completion percentage while throwing for 278 yards and three touchdowns. Becht’s remarkable accuracy included connecting on his first 14 passes of the game, setting the tone for the Cyclones’ dominant display.

The Cyclones’ offensive prowess was further demonstrated by kicker Kyle Konrardy, who set a school record with a 63-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. The kick registered as the second-longest in Big 12 history, trailing only Martin Gramatica’s 65-yarder for Kansas State in 1998.

South Dakota managed just one touchdown in the contest, a 6-yard pass from Aidan Bouman to Larenzo Fenner in the first quarter. Bouman, who ironically spent his first two collegiate seasons at Iowa State, struggled against his former team, completing 15 of 29 passes for 126 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

The lopsided defeat served as a stark reminder of the challenges FCS programs face when competing against ranked FBS opponents, despite South Dakota’s successful 2024 campaign that saw them reach the FCS semifinals.

Implications for South Dakota Football Programs

Both games provided important early-season indicators for South Dakota’s major football programs. South Dakota State’s competitive showing against a fellow ranked FCS opponent suggested the program’s championship aspirations remain intact under new leadership, while maintaining their impressive home winning streak that has become a hallmark of Jackrabbit football.

Conversely, South Dakota’s struggles against Iowa State, while not entirely unexpected given the competitive disparity, highlighted areas needing improvement as the Coyotes prepare for their upcoming FCS schedule. The team will look to rebound when they visit Lamar next Saturday.

For South Dakota State, the season opener marked the beginning of what they hope will be another successful campaign, with the Jackrabbits aiming for their fourth consecutive FCS playoff appearance. Their next challenge comes against Montana State on September 6, providing another significant test of Jackson’s early impact on the program.