You’re trying to keep track of college sports realignment in 2026? Good luck. It’s basically a full-time job. If you’re asking what conference is South Dakota State in, you probably already know the Jackrabbits are a powerhouse, but the "where" and "who" they play is actually a two-part answer that trips people up.
South Dakota State University (SDSU) doesn't just sit in one bucket. Most of their teams—think basketball, soccer, and baseball—compete in The Summit League. But if you’re looking for the football team, the back-to-back national champions from recent years, they’re actually in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC).
Confusing? A little. Common? Very.
What Conference is South Dakota State In for Football?
The Jackrabbits are essentially the "big dogs" of the Missouri Valley Football Conference. This is a football-only league. It’s often called the "SEC of the FCS" because the competition is brutal. As we head through 2026, the MVFC remains home to SDSU, alongside their rivals, the North Dakota State Bison.
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People often mistake the MVFC for the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). They are different. The MVC doesn't even sponsor football anymore. SDSU plays football in the MVFC because it offers the highest level of competition in the Football Championship Subdivision. Honestly, the Jacks have been so dominant lately that every time a slot opens up in an FBS conference like the Mountain West, rumors start flying. But for now, they are staying put in the Valley.
- Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC): Football only.
- The Summit League: Everything else.
Why the Split Matters
You’ve got to understand that in the world of Division I athletics, football drives the bus. Because SDSU’s other sports like basketball aren't in a "power" conference, they play in The Summit League. It makes sense geographically. Most of their rivals like South Dakota, North Dakota, and NDSU are right there with them.
The Summit League: A 2026 Snapshot
For every sport that isn't football, The Summit League is the answer to what conference is South Dakota State in. This includes the men's and women's basketball teams that usually dominate the tournament in Sioux Falls every March.
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But the league is changing. As of July 1, 2026, the University of Denver is officially leaving the Summit League to join the West Coast Conference. This leaves the Summit with a tight-knit group of eight schools.
- South Dakota State Jackrabbits
- South Dakota Coyotes
- North Dakota State Bison
- North Dakota Fighting Hawks
- Oral Roberts Golden Eagles
- Kansas City Roos
- Omaha Mavericks
- St. Thomas Tommies
It’s a very "Dakota-heavy" league now. Some fans worry that losing the Denver market hurts the conference’s prestige, but for a school in Brookings, South Dakota, having all your road games within driving distance (mostly) is a huge win for the budget.
Are the Jackrabbits Moving to the FBS?
This is the question every SDSU fan asks at the local bar. There’s been massive speculation about SDSU and NDSU jumping to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). With the Pac-12 rebuilding and the Mountain West constantly shifting, the Jacks are always on the "shortlist."
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Justin Sell, the SDSU Athletic Director, has been pretty transparent. He’s mentioned that the school is always "preparing" for whatever the future holds. That means upgrading Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium and keeping the Jackrabbit Club donations flowing. However, as of the 2026 season, no official move has been triggered. Moving up costs millions in exit fees and scholarship increases. It’s a massive gamble.
The Wrestling Exception
Just to make things even more complicated, SDSU wrestling doesn't play in either of those conferences. They are an affiliate member of the Big 12 Conference. Yeah, you read that right. When the Jacks hit the mat, they are competing against big-name schools like Oklahoma State and West Virginia. It’s one of the few ways SDSU gets to wear a "Power 4" logo on their gear.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning to follow the Jacks this year, keep these dates and details in your pocket:
- Basketball Tournament: The Summit League Championships remain at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls. This is basically a home game for SDSU.
- Football Scheduling: Watch for "buy games" against Big Ten or Big 12 opponents. These games fund a huge chunk of the athletic department.
- Check the App: Because the conferences are split, use the "Jackrabbit App" to keep track of which streaming service (usually Midco Sports or ESPN+) is carrying the game.
Basically, South Dakota State is in the Summit League for the majority of sports and the Missouri Valley Football Conference for the gridiron. While the landscape of college sports is shifting faster than a South Dakota windstorm, the Jacks remain the gold standard for mid-major athletics in the Midwest. Stay tuned to conference realignment news, because in this era, "permanent" is a word nobody uses anymore.