If you’ve ever stood on the sidelines at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings when the wind starts whipping off the prairie, you know that a South Dakota State University football game isn't just a sporting event. It’s a survival test. People outside the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) usually look at the FCS level and think it’s "small-time" ball. They’re wrong.
Watching the Jackrabbits—the "Jacks"—is an exercise in witnessing clinical, blue-collar dominance. This program hasn't just climbed the mountain; they’ve basically built a permanent residence at the peak. Since Mark Gronowski took over the controls at quarterback, the expectation isn't just to win. It’s to suffocate the opponent. You see it in the way the offensive line, the "605 AK-47s" as they've been called, just erases defensive ends from the play.
It’s loud. It's yellow. It's blue. Honestly, it’s some of the best football in the country, period.
What it feels like inside a South Dakota State University football game
Walking toward the stadium, you smell the charcoal. Tailgating in the "Backyard" is legendary. You’ve got families who have been donating to the program since the days they played at Coughlin-Alumni Stadium, and they take their smoked meats very seriously.
Once you get inside, the atmosphere shifts. There’s a specific tension. Because SDSU has become such a powerhouse, winning back-to-back national championships in 2022 and 2023, every home game feels like a target is painted on the turf. Teams like North Dakota State or Montana come in looking to play the giant-killer.
The stadium holds about 19,000 people, but on a big Saturday against a rival, it feels like 50,000. The acoustics are designed to trap the noise, and when the crowd starts the "S-D-S-U" chant, you can feel the vibration in your teeth. It’s a far cry from the old days. The transition from Division II to Division I in 2004 was a massive gamble, but looking at the trophy case now, it’s clear the gamble paid off.
The X’s and O’s: Why the Jacks are so hard to beat
Basically, the Jacks play "bully ball." While the rest of the world went crazy for the "Air Raid" and five-wide sets, SDSU stayed true to a physical, downhill running game complemented by elite tight end play. Think about guys like Dallas Goedert or Tucker Kraft. They didn't just play here; they dominated here before going to the NFL.
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During a South Dakota State University football game, you’ll notice the tight ends are almost always the focal point. They’re too big for corners to cover and too fast for linebackers to shadow. It creates a schematic nightmare.
Coach Jimmy Rogers, who took over after the legendary John Stiegelmeier retired, didn't change the recipe. Why would he? Rogers was the defensive coordinator for the 2022 title run where the defense was essentially a brick wall. They play a 4-3 base that focuses on gap integrity and sure tackling. They don't beat themselves. That’s the secret. If you want to beat the Jacks, you have to play a perfect game, because they aren't going to give you anything for free.
The Dakota Marker: More than a trophy
You can't talk about an SDSU game without mentioning the Dakota Marker. This is the rivalry with North Dakota State University (NDSU). The trophy is a 75-pound replica of the quartzite monuments that mark the border between the two states.
When these two meet, the "Bison" and the "Jacks," it’s more than a game. It’s a cultural event. The intensity is higher than most Power Five rivalries I’ve seen. There’s a genuine, mutual respect mixed with a healthy dose of "I want to ruin your season." For years, NDSU was the big brother. Then the tide turned. SDSU started winning the Marker games regularly, signaling a shift in the hierarchy of FCS football.
Navigating Game Day: A Spectator’s Survival Guide
If you're planning on attending, don't be that person who shows up five minutes before kickoff. The "Yellow Rabbit" tradition and the pre-game tunnel walk are worth seeing.
Parking can be a bit of a nightmare if you don't have a permit for the lots immediately adjacent to the stadium. Most savvy fans park over by the Swiftel Center or in the residential areas to the west and walk in. It’s Brookings; the walk is flat and usually pleasant, unless a cold front is moving through.
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Pro-tip for the cold: If the forecast says 30 degrees, it’s going to feel like 15 inside the bowl because of the wind. Wear layers. Buy the overpriced hot chocolate.
Tickets and Seating
Getting tickets for a South Dakota State University football game isn't as easy as it used to be. The "Hobo Day" game—SDSU’s version of Homecoming—sold out months in advance for years.
- Check the secondary markets early, but honestly, the university's ticket office is your best bet for face-value seats.
- The student section is in the south end zone. It’s loud, rowdy, and not the place for you if you want to sit down and quietly analyze the game.
- West-side seats give you the best view of the sunset, but the east side puts you closer to the visiting bench if you like to see the opposing coaches lose their minds.
The Impact of the Transfer Portal and NIL
It’s weird to think about a school in Brookings, South Dakota, dealing with NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the transfer portal, but it’s the reality. SDSU has done a remarkable job of retaining talent.
Most schools at this level lose their best players to the SEC or Big Ten the moment they show a flash of greatness. SDSU has managed to keep guys like Gronowski and their top offensive linemen because the culture is so tight-knit. They’ve built a "stay and win" mentality that is rare in 2026.
The fans play a huge part in this. The local business community has stepped up to ensure the Jacks stay competitive. You'll see local endorsements for players everywhere from car dealerships to regional banks. It’s a community-owned team in everything but name.
Common Misconceptions about SDSU Football
One thing people get wrong is the "underdog" narrative. People love to talk about the Jacks like they are some "Cinderella" story. They aren't. They are a juggernaut.
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Another misconception? That the atmosphere is "family-friendly" only. While it is certainly safe for kids, the fan base is incredibly knowledgeable and can be very intense. They know the rules. They know when a holding call was missed. They will let the refs know about it in no uncertain terms.
- Fact: SDSU has one of the highest winning percentages in all of college football over the last five years.
- Fact: The program has produced multiple first-round and early-round NFL draft picks recently.
- Observation: The jump in quality from 2010 to now is staggering.
Why this matters for the future of the sport
As the landscape of college football shifts toward "Super Conferences," programs like South Dakota State represent the soul of the sport. It’s about regional pride. It’s about players who actually stay for four or five years and graduate.
When you sit in the stands during a South Dakota State University football game, you’re seeing a model of how to build a program the right way. No shortcuts. Just elite scouting, player development, and a coaching staff that actually wants to be there.
Actionable Steps for your First Trip
If you're actually going to go, here's how to do it right. First, book your hotel in Brookings at least four months out. If they’re full, you’ll have to stay in Sioux Falls, which is a 50-minute drive up I-29.
Second, get to the tailgate lots by 10:00 AM for an afternoon kickoff. You don't need to know anyone; just wear blue and yellow, bring a six-pack or some snacks, and start talking about the offensive line. You’ll be welcomed into a tent within ten minutes.
Third, visit the SDSU Dairy Bar before you leave town. It’s a literal requirement. The ice cream is made on-campus by the agriculture students, and the "Oreo" or "Chocolate" flavors are world-class. Seriously, don't skip this.
Finally, stay until the end of the game. Even if it’s a blowout, the team sings the school song with the band and the fans. It’s one of those small-town traditions that makes you realize why people in South Dakota are so obsessed with this team. They aren't just cheering for a logo; they’re cheering for their neighbors.
Check the official GoJacks.com schedule to see when the next home stand is. Look for the "Beef Bowl" or "Hobo Day" specifically if you want the full-throttle experience. Just remember to bring your heavy coat—the prairie doesn't care about your team spirit.