The scoreboard at Washington-Grizzly Stadium didn't lie, even if it felt like a hallucination to the traveling fans from Brookings. 50-29. That was the final sdsu jacks football score on December 6, 2025, a day that marked the end of an era and the crashing halt of a postseason run that many expected to end in Frisco.
It was cold in Missoula. Brutally cold. But the chill in the air was nothing compared to the shock of seeing a South Dakota State defense, usually as stout as a prairie blizzard, give up half a century of points to the Montana Grizzlies.
A December to Forget
Most people tracking the Jacks this year got used to the "W" column. After all, this program has been the gold standard of the FCS for years. They dominated New Hampshire 41-3 in the opening round of the playoffs. It felt like business as usual.
Then came the Grizzlies.
Honestly, the game was a track meet that SDSU just couldn't keep up with. Montana exploded for 50 points, leaving the Jackrabbits scrambling for answers that never came. Jimmy Rogers, usually the master of defensive adjustments, watched as his squad surrendered massive chunks of yardage. It wasn't just a loss; it was a statement. The king had been toppled.
You've probably noticed that the 2025 season felt... different. It wasn't the flawless 15-0 march of the recent past. The Jacks finished the regular season at 9-5 overall. They were 4-4 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. For any other team, that’s a decent year. For SDSU? It’s a crisis.
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The Mid-Season Slide
If you want to understand the final sdsu jacks football score of the season, you have to look at November. It was a month of heartbreak.
The Jacks hit a four-game losing skid that basically paralyzed their momentum. It started with a 38-7 thumping at the hands of North Dakota State in the Dakota Marker game. Then came a 24-12 loss to Indiana State. Then, the Interstate Series against USD ended in a 24-17 defeat. By the time they lost 35-21 to Illinois State, people were wondering if they'd even make the playoffs.
They managed to save face with a wild 34-31 overtime win against North Dakota in Grand Forks. That win was basically the only reason they got a seat at the postseason table. Jack Henry, the quarterback who stepped into some massive shoes this year, found his rhythm just in time to keep the streak of 14 consecutive playoff appearances alive.
What the Numbers Actually Tell Us
Let's talk about the stats for a second. We often look at the sdsu jacks football score and ignore the "why" behind it.
The Jackrabbits averaged about 27 points per game this season. Defensively, they were giving up nearly 22. In their championship years, that gap was a canyon. This year, it was a crack in the sidewalk.
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- Passing Game: Jack Henry showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in that UND comeback.
- Run Support: The ground game, while effective, lacked that "home run" threat that used to keep defensive coordinators up at night.
- Defense: They were great in the red zone early in the year, but the dam broke in Missoula.
The 50-29 loss to Montana was the most points the Jacks had given up in a long, long time. It felt like a system failure. Montana’s offense was just more explosive, more desperate, and frankly, better prepared for the atmosphere of a home playoff game.
Looking Toward 2026
The coaching carousel has already started spinning. Rumors about Jimmy Rogers being a target for bigger programs (like Iowa State) have kept the message boards buzzing, though nothing is set in stone yet. What is certain is that the roster will look different next year.
The transfer portal is already open. Players are weighing their options. SDSU has already landed Anthony Rezac, a transfer quarterback from Notre Dame, which signals they aren't planning on a long rebuilding phase. They want to be back in the national title conversation immediately.
If you are looking for the next sdsu jacks football score, you'll have to wait until September 5, 2026, when they host New Haven at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. That will be followed by a massive test against Northwestern on September 12.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the Jacks through the off-season, here is what you should actually be watching:
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Check the transfer portal arrivals specifically for defensive secondary help. The Montana game exposed a lack of depth in the defensive backfield that needs to be addressed before the Northwestern game.
Keep an eye on the quarterback competition. With Rezac coming in from a Power 5 environment, the battle between him and Jack Henry will define the 2026 offensive identity.
Don't panic about the 9-5 record. This was a "retooling" year that still resulted in a playoff win. Most programs would kill for SDSU's "bad" years.
Sign up for the Jackrabbit Sports Network updates. The 2026 schedule is already trickling out, including games against Eastern Illinois and a potentially huge matchup with James Madison in the future.
The 2025 season might have ended with a sour note in Missoula, but the foundation in Brookings is still made of concrete. One bad score doesn't erase a decade of dominance, but it definitely provides the fuel for a 2026 comeback.