The South Dakota State Jackrabbits have just rolled out their 2026 football schedule, and honestly, it looks like a wild ride. Seven home games out of twelve? That’s a lot of Saturdays in Brookings.
Head coach Dan Jackson seems pumped, and he should be. There’s been plenty of behind-the-scenes work to build a schedule that fires up both the team and their fans.
Things get started with a fresh matchup against Stetson. The mix of non-conference and Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) games should keep everyone guessing week to week.
2026 Season Opener: Stetson at Home
Kicking off on August 29, the Jackrabbits host Stetson at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. It’s a brand-new contest and a chance to set the vibe for the rest of the year.
There’s always something special about that first game. The energy, the nerves—can’t fake that.
Key Home Games
This schedule’s loaded with home games you probably don’t want to miss. Here’s a quick look at the big ones:
- August 29: Stetson
- September 12: New Haven
- September 19: Youngstown State
- September 26: Eastern Illinois
- October 24: Murray State (Hobo Day)
- October 31: South Dakota (Interstate Series)
- November 21: Indiana State
Road Challenges
Of course, it’s not all home cooking. The Jackrabbits hit the road for some tough games, starting with a trip to Northwestern on September 5.
That’s their only matchup against an FBS team this year, so it’s a big one.
Noteworthy Road Games
Some away games stand out more than others. These are likely to be the real tests:
- September 5: at Northwestern
- October 3: at Illinois State
- October 17: at North Dakota
- November 7: at Northern Iowa
- November 14: at Southern Illinois
Conference Play and Bye Week
MVFC play gets underway on September 19 when Youngstown State visits. That’s when things start to get serious for the standings.
Strategic Bye Week
The Jackrabbits get a breather on October 10. It’s a well-timed bye, sandwiched between two road games that could really take a toll.
Rivalries and Special Events
Fans circle a few games every year, and 2026 is no different. Hobo Day lands on October 24, with Murray State coming to town for homecoming.
If you’ve never been, Hobo Day’s kind of a big deal around here. The place just feels different.
Interstate Series
Then there’s the annual clash with South Dakota on October 31. This rivalry game always has a little extra edge to it.
Playing at home could give the Jackrabbits the boost they need when it matters most.
Season Finale and Playoff Aspirations
The regular season wraps up November 21, hosting Indiana State. That last game could decide a lot, especially if playoff spots are on the line.
After last year’s run, you get the sense this team’s hungry for more.
Looking Back at 2025
In 2025, the Jackrabbits finished 9-5 and split their league games. They rolled past New Hampshire in the FCS Playoffs but ran into trouble against Montana.
Those ups and downs? They’ll shape how the team attacks 2026, no doubt about it.
Conclusion
The South Dakota State Jackrabbits’ 2026 football schedule looks like a pretty interesting mix. There are tough road trips, some big home games, and of course, those classic rivalries that everyone circles on the calendar.
They’ve got a foundation built on a lot of hard work and some smart decisions. Honestly, it feels like the Jackrabbits could be in for something special this season—maybe even a few surprises along the way.
If you’re curious or just want to keep tabs on all the updates, check out the official schedule page. It’s probably worth bookmarking if you’re a fan.
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