South Dakota State Head Coach Damion Hahn joins InterMat’s Earl Smith to talk about all things Jackrabbit Wrestling. Coach Hahn talks about SDSU’s new home in the Pac-12 and some of the thought process behind the move. He also goes through some of the potential starters and lineup battles for the team in 2026-27. They finish by talking about how the program has grown during his eight-plus years at the helm.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Jackrabbit Wrestling Schedule Announced For 2026-27
BROOKINGS, S.D. – The South Dakota State Wrestling program announced its schedule for the upcoming 2026-27 season on Thursday.
The first two months of competition will be a mix of open tournaments and dual competition. The Jacks will open their season at home for the first time since 2018, hosting the Buffalo Bulls in a dual at First Bank & Trust Arena on Nov. 7th. SDSU then hosts the Warren Williamson Daktronics Invitational the day after on Nov. 8th.
The Jackrabbits make their return to Columbia, Mo. to take part in the Tiger Style Invite (Nov. 14), where they crowned two champions last year in Brady Roark and Cale Seaton. SDSU ends the month of November at home as they take on Northern State on Nov. 25th.
Jacks to square off with Tar Heels at Pentagon
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota State will square off on the mat with the University of North Carolina in a wrestling dual on Friday, Dec. 18, at the Sanford Pentagon. Ticket sales and broadcast information will be determined at a later date.
“These are two tremendous wrestling programs that will provide a great show in Sioux Falls,” said Jesse Smith, vice president of Sanford Sports. “South Dakota State has an enthusiastic fan base that has supported the team over the years at the Pentagon, and we’re excited to welcome North Carolina to the Rushmore State for the very first time.”
NCAA Division I adopts age-based eligibility model
Single standard replaces sport-specific rules and waivers; changes will be fully implemented for fall 2027 incoming class
The Division I Cabinet on Tuesday unanimously approved a sweeping overhaul of eligibility rules for student-athletes, permitting Division I student-athletes up to five years of eligibility if they enroll in college no later than the academic year after their 19th birthday. The new rule streamlines a significant portion of the Division I rule book by eliminating season-of-competition limits, sport-specific eligibility and redshirt rules, and eligibility extension waivers.
“With these changes, the Cabinet has taken decisive action for the benefit of student-athletes and the system of NCAA Division I athletics,” said Josh Whitman, athletics director at Illinois and chair of the Cabinet. “For many student-athletes who enroll in college immediately after high school, these changes will result in the opportunity to potentially compete for an additional season in their chosen sport. For campus officials and coaches, this change provides rules that are simpler to administer and easier to predict for roster management decisions.”
Three Jackrabbit wrestlers earn Academic All-District recognition
BROOKINGS, S.D. — Three South Dakota State University wrestlers were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District® At-Large Team on Tuesday, leading a group of eight Jackrabbit student-athletes recognized for their performance both on the mat and in the classroom.
Redshirt juniors Brock Fettig and Cael Swensen, along with redshirt sophomore Brady Roark, secured spots on the prestigious academic squad. The at-large category honors elite student-athletes competing in sports outside traditional major-media coverage, including wrestling, golf, tennis, and ice hockey.
SDSU mourns the passing of Frank Kurtenbach
South Dakota State Athletics is mourning the death of former student-athlete, head coach, and longtime benefactor Frank J. Kurtenbach, who passed away at the age of 88.
Kurtenbach, a native of Dimock, South Dakota, leaves behind a legacy that spans generations of Jackrabbit student-athletes. His impact on SDSU wrestling helped transform the program into what it is today and will continue to shape its future.
“Frank’s impact on South Dakota State wrestling goes far beyond his generosity. He valued building relationships, connecting people and supporting others,” said SDSU wrestling head coach Damion Hahn. “His legacy isn’t just measured in his contributions, but in the lives he helped shape. That support will continue to carry future Jackrabbit wrestlers forward for years to come.”
Aguayo and Hodges join incoming Jackrabbits Wrestling class
BROOKINGS, S.D. – The South Dakota State wrestling program added two future Jackrabbits to the program on Tuesday, as they announced the addition of two class of 2026 recruits.
10 Jackrabbits earn Academic All-Big 12 Honors
IRVING, Texas — 10 members of the South Dakota State wrestling team, including four NCAA Qualifiers, were honored Thursday as members of the 2026 Winter Academic All-Big 12 Team.
SDSU’s honorees were highlighted by Derrick Cardinal, who was named to the Academic All-Big 12 Team for the fourth time in his college career. Bennett Berge, Connor Gaynor, Brock Fettig, Cael Swensen and Luke Rasmussen all earned the third Academic All-Big 12 honors of their college careers.
Marcus Espinoza-Owens picked up the second Academic All-Big 12 honor of his career, while Logan Swensen, Brady Roark and Cale Seaton all earned the first honors of their career.
College Recruiting: two-time state champion Kos to South Dakota State University
Jake Kos of Simley has committed to wrestling for South Dakota State University following his upcoming senior season.
Eight Jackrabbits honored by NWCA
MANHEIM, Pa. — Eight South Dakota State wrestling student-athletes have been honored by the National Wrestling Coaches Association as recipients of an NCAA Division I Men’s Scholar All-America Award.