CHICAGO, IL (GoJacks.com) – The South Dakota State football team begins the 2026 season in a familiar spot with a high ranking in the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Poll. SDSU, which finished the 2025 season with a 9-5 overall record, has made 14 consecutive appearances in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. SDSU is scheduled to face five fellow Missouri Valley Football Conference teams ranked in the preseason top 25 during the upcoming 2026 season, including three in the top 10. 12 South Dakota (Oct. 31), while traveling to fourth-ranked Illinois State (Oct. 3), 10th-ranked North Dakota (Oct. 17) and No. The Jackrabbits’ 2026 season opener is set for Aug. 29 against Stetson.