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It was a chaotic offseason for SDSU in preparation for the 2025 campaign, as former head coach Jimmy Rogers left for Washington State and took a significant portion of the roster with him, in addition to nearly his entire coaching staff.
The Jackrabbits lost a total of 23 players to the FCS and FBS portal ranks, with 16 following Rogers to Washington State.
Despite a lot of uncertainty in early January, SDSU responded well with the hiring of a familiar face in Dan Jackson. Jackson replenished the roster with a total of 18 FCS and FBS portal additions, including several players with decorated resumes.
Jackson also retained a solid core of players, giving Jackrabbit faithful optimism heading into the season.
SDSU started the season on a heater, winning seven straight games and beating Montana State on the road in double overtime. The season then took a turn for the worse, with star QB Chase Mason suffering a foot injury against Murray State that held him out for the final five games of the regular season.
The Jacks lost four straight games, a streak that started with a blowout loss to rival NDSU 38-7. SDSU picked up two impressive wins (UND, UNH) to gain some momentum, but Montana ended the Jackrabbits season in the Second Round of the FCS Postseason.
SDSU returns four of five starters along the offensive line, its starting quarterback, Honorable Mention All-American tight end, and No. 2 and 3 wide receivers.
AP First Team All-American LT Quinten Christensen (6-5, 300) leads an experienced front line that underwent a lot of shuffling last season due to injuries. LG William Paepke (6-5, 315) and RG Shane Willenbring (6-4, 305) project to hold down the guard position after both started 14 games, while Kenyon BigBow (6-5, 310) is expected to remain at right tackle – the role he held when Sam Hagen (6-6, 320) suffered a knee injury that ended his season.
Cooper Starks (6-5, 329) was a unanimous three-star prospect coming out of North Mac High School and his power four experience with Vanderbilt suggests he could compete for a starting job, possibly at center.
Chase Mason produced at a high level for SDSU in just nine games, passing for 2,005 yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions. A freak athlete with incredible upside, there is buzz surrounding Mason and the NFL Draft next spring.
At 6-4, 240, a breakout season could go a long way in securing a future at the pro ranks. The big question is if Mason will be able to remain healthy.
In the backfield, the Jacks look to replace 1,000-yard tailback Julius Loughridge, but there are plenty of candidates to do so. Josiah Johnson and James Basinger were the second and third running back options last fall in terms of production, with the duo combining for 628 rushing yards and eleven touchdowns.
Redshirt Freshman Corey Blair Jr. is another name to monitor. Blair had an impressive senior campaign at East Forsyth H.S. and flashed in limited action last year. Northeastern State (Okla.) transfer Ramon McKinney Jr. rounds out the RB room, bringing with him 2,663-yards of all-purpose experience from the Division II ranks.
First Team All-MVFC selection Grayton Gannon and former Sacramento State transfer Coleman Kuntz offer a strong rotation at tight end. Kuntz dealt with injury last season but came on late, hauling in seven passes for 82 yards and one touchdown while also proving to be an effective blocker.
Gannon’s size (6-4, 235) generated mismatches at the second level and that resulted in him ranking fourth on the team in receiving yards (372).
The wide receiver room figures to be one of the strongest if not the strongest position groups on the team. Lofton O’Groske (6-2, 210) put up a monster game against Montana State, recording 12 catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns. He played in six games due to injuries, but showcased legit potential.
Grahm Goering (6-2, 210) and Jack Smith (6-0, 195) finished as the No. 2 and 3 receiving threats behind Alex Bullock (6-2, 205), who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
SDSU returns seven of its top eleven tacklers and its sack and TFL leader.
DT Logan Green (6-4, 290) anchors the middle of the defensive front after leading the team in TFLs (10) and sacks (5.5). Jace Sifore (6-4, 290) is projected to start alongside Green, while transfer Ashton Sayre (6-4, 285) bolsters depth.
On the edge, Dawson Ripperda (6-4, 255) returns after ranking first on the team in QB Hurries (6) and totaling 8.5 TFLs and five sacks. Reis Kirschenman (6-4, 265) had high expectations heading into 2025 but suffered a season-ending pectoral injury against Montana State. Back-to-back All-NSIC First Team nominee Carter Sitzman (Wayne State) gives SDSU a relentless third pass rusher.
The linebacking corps returns a tremendous amount of experience. Joe Ollman earned Honorable Mention All-MVFC honors and led the Jackrabbits in tackles with 94. He showcased his disruptive nature with 8.5 TFLs, three sacks, and five QB Hurries.
Second Team All-MVFC selection Cullen McShane finished second on the team in total tackles (88) and also registered 7.5 TFLs, one sack, two PBUs, and one forced fumble.
Behind Ollman and McShane lies significant experience, as Kytan Fyfe (39 tackles), Bryce Johnson (39 tackles), and Chase Van Tol (4 sacks) all return.
Van Tol in particular stands out due to his versatility and ability to play a linebacker/safety hybrid role. He is projected to start.
Wayne State (Neb.) transfer Jes Krcil could also carve out a role in the rotation, as he won the 2025 NSIC Defensive Player of the Year thanks to an 81-tackle campaign.
The Jackrabbits will have a new look secondary. At cornerback, former Division II All-American Ife Current put forth an impressive spring. Fellow transferee Paul Kim (Wisconsin-Whitewater) also raised some eyebrows throughout spring training and is coming off a season in which he recorded nine pass deflections.
Myles Green could be a factor in the cornerback battle as well because of his positional flexibility.
Returner Noah St-Juste thrived in the slot last fall and could compete in a similar role next season. VMI transfer Amaje Parker also has the potential to start at nickel, bringing a wealth of experience from the SoCon ranks.
At safety, Dontay Johnson comes back after playing in 13 games and totaling 37 tackles. Max Stanard, Noah Thompson, and Noah Luginbill (JUCO All-American) will all contend for reps.
