BROOKINGS, S.D. — South Dakota State and South Dakota opened the 2026 college football season dominantly Saturday, combining for 129 points in a pair of lopsided victories.
The top-ranked South Dakota State Jackrabbits overwhelmed Stetson 70-7 in Brookings, scoring 10 touchdowns and continuing their unbeaten run against Pioneer League opponents.
SDSU’s ground game powered the offensive explosion as James Basinger rushed for 110 yards and Corey Blair Jr. added 107 yards and two touchdowns. Blair’s 52-yard touchdown run early in the second half pushed the Jackrabbits’ lead to 49-0 and highlighted a dominant rushing performance.
Josiah Johnson, Ramon McKinney and Josh Myers also found the end zone on the ground, while quarterbacks Chase Mason and Josh Hoist each threw touchdown passes as South Dakota State cruised to the season-opening victory.
Defensively, the Jackrabbits limited Stetson quarterback Tom von Grote to 95 passing yards despite 17 completions, keeping the Hatters out of the end zone until late in the contest.
Meanwhile in Vermillion, redshirt freshman quarterback Austyn Modrzewski delivered a historic debut as South Dakota rolled past Central Connecticut 59-20.
Making his first collegiate start, Modrzewski set a school single-game record with six touchdown passes while completing 16 of 20 attempts for 304 yards. He also showcased his athleticism on the ground, rushing twice for 81 yards, including a touchdown run.
The performance came in the first game under new Coyotes head coach Matt Vitzthum and provided an early glimpse of South Dakota’s offensive potential.
Senior running back Charles Pierre Jr., a Walter Payton Award candidate, made a successful return after injuries limited him to just two games last season. Pierre rushed for 77 yards on 10 carries, while Keyondray Jones-Logan provided a big-play threat with two receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown.
The victories give both South Dakota State and South Dakota a 1-0 start as they begin the 2026 FCS season with impressive offensive performances and high expectations moving forward.
