The 2026 South Dakota State football schedule is set, and the Jackrabbits enter the year as one of the flagship programs in the FCS after their back-to-back national championships in 2022 and 2023. SDSU plays out of the Missouri Valley, the deepest league in the subdivision, and the 2026 slate features an FBS trip to Northwestern plus a full eight-game MVFC schedule. Below is the complete schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the Jackrabbits season sets up.
- Conference: MVFC (FCS)
- Home stadium: Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, Brookings, SD
- Regular season: 12 games (seven home games and five on the road)
- Conference games: 8
- Opener: August 29 at home vs Stetson
- Finale: November 21 at home vs Indiana State
- Last updated: July 30, 2026
2026 South Dakota State Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | vs Stetson | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | at Northwestern | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | vs New Haven | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | vs Youngstown State | Home | MVFC |
| Sept 26 | vs Eastern Illinois | Home | Non-conference |
| Oct 3 | at Illinois State | Away | MVFC |
| Oct 10 | Bye Week | ||
| Oct 17 | at North Dakota | Away | MVFC |
| Oct 24 | vs Murray State | Home | MVFC |
| Oct 31 | vs South Dakota | Home | MVFC |
| Nov 7 | at Northern Iowa | Away | MVFC |
| Nov 14 | at Southern Illinois | Away | MVFC |
| Nov 21 | vs Indiana State | Home | MVFC |
Two dates stand out at home: Hobo Day against Murray State on October 24, and the Interstate Series against in-state rival South Dakota on October 31. With North Dakota State having moved up to the FBS, the Dakota Marker rivalry is on hold, but the MVFC race still runs through Brookings most years.
How the 2026 South Dakota State Season Sets Up
South Dakota State plays a 12-game regular season: four non-conference dates, including a Week 2 trip to FBS Northwestern, around an eight-game Missouri Valley schedule. The Jackrabbits get seven home games in Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, with a bye the week before the October 17 road test at North Dakota.
South Dakota State and the FCS Playoffs
The MVFC champion earns an automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff, and South Dakota State is usually in the at-large mix as well. You can see the full conference picture on our 2026 MVFC football schedule page and print the postseason field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch South Dakota State in 2026
South Dakota State games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, along with MVFC conference streaming. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed in the weeks before kickoff, so bookmark this page and check back as the matchups firm up.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does South Dakota State open the 2026 season?
South Dakota State opens the 2026 season August 29 vs Stetson. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 at home vs Indiana State.
How many games do the Jackrabbits play in 2026?
South Dakota State plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: seven home games and five on the road, including 8 MVFC conference games, ahead of the FCS playoffs.
Is there a printable South Dakota State schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 South Dakota State schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch South Dakota State football in 2026?
South Dakota State games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, plus the MVFC streaming outlets. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed closer to gameday.
More 2026 FCS Coverage
Explore more: the 2026 MVFC football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
