South Dakota State Jackrabbits Begin Preseason as FCS Top 25, Ready to Defend National Title
The South Dakota State Jackrabbits are gearing up for an exciting football season as they kick off the preseason as the No. 1 team in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) rankings. After their incredible run last season, which culminated in a national championship victory, the Jackrabbits are determined to defend their title under the leadership of their new coach, Jimmy Rogers. This comes after the retirement of the legendary coach, John Stiegelmeier, who left a lasting legacy on the program.
The Jackrabbits made history last year when they defeated their fierce rivals, the North Dakota State Bison, in the title game. It was an impressive feat, and now they are looking to build on that success and make another trip to Frisco, Texas for the championship game. With Rogers at the helm and a talented roster, the Jackrabbits are poised for another strong season.
As the preseason rankings indicate, the Jackrabbits are not the only team to watch out for in the FCS. Several other teams have made impactful moves this offseason, including Jacksonville State and Sam Houston, who have made the jump to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and joined Conference USA. Kennesaw State will also bid farewell to the FCS after this season and follow in their footsteps next year.
In addition to these changes, the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) has rebranded itself as the Coastal Athletic Association, reflecting the inclusion of two new members, Campbell and North Carolina A&T. The CAA has now expanded to 15 teams, while the Big South and Ohio Valley Conference have formed an alliance to combine their football programs into one, called the Big South-OVC. Furthermore, Murray State has left the Ohio Valley Conference and joined the Missouri Valley Conference.
While these realignments have shaken up the FCS landscape, it is the South Dakota State Jackrabbits who remain the team to beat. Their championship victory last season has solidified their position as the top team in the nation, and they will be determined to maintain their dominance throughout the upcoming season.
This preseason FCS top 25 ranking provides a glimpse into the teams that are expected to make an impact this year. Behind South Dakota State, we have Montana State at No. 2, known for their formidable style of play, especially with quarterback Touchdown Tommy Mellott leading the charge. William & Mary follows closely at No. 3, with their strong defense and an excellent 2022 season performance that earned them a playoff spot.
North Dakota State, a perennial powerhouse in the FCS, comes in at No. 4. After a somewhat lackluster season last year, the Bison are looking to bounce back with explosive plays and a dominant defense. Sacramento State rounds out the top five, benefitting from the arrival of new coach Andy Thompson, who has already made a positive impact on the team’s defense.
As the preseason rankings highlight, the FCS promises to deliver fiercely competitive football this upcoming season. With teams vying for a shot at the national championship, fans can look forward to thrilling matchups and captivating performances from both established powerhouses and rising contenders.
Overall, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits have set the bar high as they begin their journey to defend their national championship title. With the retirement of their legendary coach and the appointment of a new leader, the Jackrabbits are eager to prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with in the FCS. As the preseason favorites, they will undoubtedly face tough challenges along the way, but their determination and talent make them a formidable team to watch. Football fans can expect an exciting season ahead as the FCS showcases its finest programs and athletes.
