SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

ABOUT SOUTH DAKOTA STATE

Nestled in Brookings among a student population of 12,139, South Dakota State has built its athletic foundation across 16 varsity sports competing in the Summit League at the FCS level. Founded in 1881, the institution has developed competitive programs in traditional sports like football and basketball alongside emerging varsities such as women's lacrosse, which reflects the program's evolution over the past century-plus of operation. The Jackrabbits field teams in cross country, soccer, tennis, golf, and aquatic sports, creating a comprehensive athletic ecosystem that serves both male and female student-athletes across multiple Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines.

South Dakota State's football program has emerged as a regional powerhouse within the FCS landscape, while basketball remains a central focus of fan engagement and conference competition. The baseball and softball programs maintain strong regional recruiting pipelines, and the addition of women's lacrosse demonstrates institutional commitment to expanding opportunities for female athletes. With a balanced portfolio of sports ranging from volleyball to swimming and diving, the athletic department supports approximately 500 student-athletes competing in the competitive Summit League conference, positioning Brookings as a significant hub for collegiate athletics in the upper Midwest.