Honestly, if you drive through Brookings, South Dakota, on a crisp October afternoon, you'll feel it before you see it. There’s a specific kind of electricity in the air that doesn’t just come from the prairie wind. It’s the yellow and blue flags whipping on every porch and the smell of tailgate charcoal. We’re talking about South Dakota State—or SDSU, or "State" if you’re trying to sound like a local.
For a long time, people outside the Midwest kinda looked at this place as just another quiet ag school on the edge of the plains. They were wrong. Today, South Dakota State is basically a powerhouse masquerading as a land-grant university. Whether it's the fact that they’re currently a dominant force in FCS football or their massive leaps in high-tech research, the "little school in Brookings" isn't so little anymore.
The Jackrabbit Identity: It’s Not Just a Mascot
You’ve probably seen the logo. A jackrabbit mid-leap, looking lean and remarkably intense. But have you ever wondered why? Back in the early 1900s, a reporter suggested the team was as quick as jackrabbits, and the name stuck. It’s unique. Nobody else in Division I sports is a Jackrabbit.
There’s a grit to it that fits the state. South Dakota isn't always easy. The winters are brutal, and the wind can knock the breath out of you. That environment creates a specific type of student and athlete. You see it at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. If you haven't been there, it’s a 19,300-seat beast that feels twice that size when the "Pride of the Dakotas" marching band starts playing.
The football program has undergone a transformation that’s honestly hard to wrap your head around. They went from being a solid regional contender to a national dynasty, regularly going toe-to-toe with North Dakota State in the legendary Dakota Marker game. That rivalry? It’s basically the Iron Bowl of the North. They play for a 75-pound replica of a quartzite border marker. It’s heavy, it’s rugged, and winning it means everything in this part of the country.
👉 See also: Why the Man Black Hair Blue Eyes Combo is So Rare (and the Genetics Behind It)
Beyond the Field: A Research Juggernaut
If you think South Dakota State is only about sports, you’re missing the biggest part of the story. The university is currently chasing "R1" status—the highest tier of research activity in the U.S.
They aren't just looking at old-school farming anymore. We’re talking about:
- Precision Agriculture: Using drones and AI to map fields down to the square inch.
- Biostress Research: Figuring out how plants and animals survive extreme environments (something South Dakota has plenty of).
- Human Health: Huge breakthroughs in cancer research at the Haarberg 3D Center.
It’s funny, you’ll have a student who spent the morning in a high-tech lab working on "forever chemical" water testing, and by the afternoon, they’re at the campus dairy bar eating a scoop of Oreo ice cream. Fun fact: SDSU claims to have invented the flavor back in the 70s. Whether that’s 100% undisputed or not, it’s become a local legend that every visitor has to try.
The Land-Grant Mission in 2026
Being a land-grant school basically means the university has a contract with the people of the state. They have to provide practical education. In 2026, that looks like the Wokini Initiative. It’s a massive effort to support Indigenous students and build nation-building programs for the tribal nations in the region. It’s about more than just enrollment; it’s about making sure the university actually serves everyone in the 605.
✨ Don't miss: Chuck E. Cheese in Boca Raton: Why This Location Still Wins Over Parents
Why Brookings is the Best Kept Secret
Let’s talk about the town. Brookings is... cozy. That’s the best word for it. It’s got that classic "college town" vibe where the local coffee shops are filled with professors arguing about soil nitrates and students cramming for nursing exams.
You’ve got the South Dakota Art Museum and the McCrory Gardens, which are honestly stunning in the spring. If you’re a traveler looking for an authentic slice of the Upper Midwest, this is it. It’s not flashy like Vegas or crowded like Chicago. It’s just real. People actually look you in the eye and say hello.
The Reality of the "South Dakota" Rivalry
There is a massive misconception that South Dakota and South Dakota State are basically the same thing. Don't say that in Brookings. And definitely don't say it in Vermillion.
The South Dakota Showdown Series against the USD Coyotes is a deep, generational divide.
🔗 Read more: The Betta Fish in Vase with Plant Setup: Why Your Fish Is Probably Miserable
- The Vibe: SDSU is the land-grant, ag-and-engineering-heavy school. USD is the liberal arts and law school crowd.
- The Geography: SDSU is in the north (Brookings); USD is tucked into the southeast corner (Vermillion).
- The Stakes: Every year, the winner gets bragging rights that last until the next harvest.
In November 2025, the Coyotes actually pulled off an upset, beating the Jackrabbits 24-17. It snapped a long winning streak and has set the stage for a massive 2026 season. The tension is what makes it great. It keeps both schools from getting lazy.
The Economic Engine
The numbers are kinda staggering. We’re looking at a $5.7 billion economic impact on the state. Think about that. Nearly 73% of South Dakota residents who graduate from State stay in the state. They become the nurses, the agronomists, and the engineers who keep the local economy humming.
Notable alumni aren't just names on a wall. You’ve got Gene Amdahl, who basically helped build the modern IBM computer. You’ve got Tom Daschle and Kristi Noem. It’s a pipeline for leadership that punches way above its weight class.
What You Should Do Next
If you're looking to actually engage with the South Dakota State experience, don't just read about it.
- Visit the Dairy Bar: Seriously. Get the ice cream. Even if it's snowing. It’s a rite of passage.
- Catch a Game: If you can’t get into the stadium, the atmosphere in the parking lot is worth the trip alone.
- Check the Research Park: If you're into tech or business, look at what’s coming out of the SDSU Research Park. It’s where the state’s future is being built.
- Explore McCrory Gardens: It’s one of the top botanical gardens in the region and offers a perspective on prairie beauty you won't find anywhere else.
South Dakota State is in a weird, wonderful transition phase. It’s big enough to compete on a national stage but small enough that the President probably knows half the seniors by name. It’s a place where tradition and high-tech innovation are currently colliding, and honestly, it’s working.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the official SDSU Athletics calendar for the 2026 football schedule to book your hotel early, as Brookings fills up months in advance for home games. If you're a prospective student, look into the Wintrode Student Success Center to see how their personalized advising works before you schedule a campus tour.