By Todd Epp, Northern Plains News – South Dakota State opens the 2025 football season with a home game against Sacramento State on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Central.
The matchup marks the debut of head coach Dan Jackson, who takes over a roster that is both experienced and deeply rooted in the state.
This year’s squad features 32 South Dakota natives, the largest in-state contingent in at least three years. That’s nearly 27 percent of the 118-player roster — up from roughly 25 in 2024 and 23 in 2023. Jackson inherits a team anchored by talent from Brandon, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and dozens of small-town programs, continuing SDSU’s tradition of recruiting close to home while adding his own stamp to the program.
Following the season opener, SDSU travels to Montana State on Sept. 6.
South Dakota Natives — 2025 Roster, by Hometown
Brandon — Landon Dulaney, Jack Thue, Noah Thompson, Lincoln Semchenko
Dell Rapids — Jack Henry, John Pica
Flandreau — Maverick LeBrun
Garretson — Beau Bakken
Hayti — Zac Van Meeteren
Harrisburg — Justin Kabera
Howard — Jace Sifore
Hurley — Chase Mason
Kimball — Blake Leiferman
Madison — Ben Brooks
Mobridge — Shane Henderson
Rapid City — William Paepke, Thomas Martian
Selby — Brenden Begeman
Sioux Falls — David Alpers, Matt Goehring, Jack Smith, Josh Myers, Luke Krempges, Anthony Erickson
Spearfish — Brayden Delahoyde
Tea — Reis Kirschenman, Chase Van Tol
Volga — Boden Schiller
Volin — Andrew Gustad
Watertown — Spencer Wientjes, Micah Hach
Wessington Springs — Quinten Christensen
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