South Dakota State University Athletics

The Jackrabbits compete in NCAA Division I, meaning serious athletic competition with full scholarships and regional media coverage. With 533 varsity athletes across 15 sports, about 6% of the 8,798 students participate in Division I athletics. The university allocates over $4.4 million in athletic scholarships annually. SDSU plays in The Summit League, a mid-major conference that provides competitive basketball and other sports without the massive crowds of power conferences. The Jackrabbits have built particularly strong programs in football and basketball over recent decades. Their biggest rivalry centers on the Dakota Marker game against the University of South Dakota Coyotes, a heated in-state battle that divides the state each fall. This athletic culture creates school spirit on the Brookings campus while maintaining academic focus.