South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs Northwestern Wildcats Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 5, 2026

By: David Anicetti Published 08/30/2026, 11:05 PM ET

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits visit the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in Evanston, on BTB. South Dakota State is 1-0 after opening 2026 with a 70-7 win over Stetson. Northwestern begins its season after finishing 7-6 overall in 2025 and closing with a 34-7 bowl win over Central Michigan. The supplied material does not list either team's 2025 conference record. Northwestern is a 12.5-point favorite after opening -11.5, while the total is 46.5 points. Find your opening-week betting angle with our free NCAAF picks.

South Dakota State Jackrabbits Preview

South Dakota State overwhelmed Stetson with 393 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. James Basinger gained 110 yards on eight carries, while Corey Blair Jr. added 107 yards and two scores on eight attempts. Josiah Johnson contributed 63 yards and two touchdowns. Chase Mason completed 5 of 10 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown, and Josh Holst connected with Landon Dulaney for a 78-yard score.

The Jackrabbits allowed only seven points and held Stetson to 265 total yards. South Dakota State recorded three sacks and seven tackles for loss, while also recovering two fumbles. The competition rises sharply against Northwestern, but the Jackrabbits enter this matchup ranked third in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and already have a productive ground attack in rhythm.

Northwestern Wildcats Preview

Northwestern brings in Michigan State transfer Aidan Chiles to run new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly's attack. Chiles adds a running threat at quarterback, while Caleb Komolafe returns after rushing for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Joseph Himon II also returns, and Gavin Sawchuk adds experience to the backfield. Griffin Wilde leads the receivers after catching 71 passes for 880 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025.

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The Wildcats allowed just under 20 points per game last season and return leading tackler Robert Fitzgerald, who finished with 115 stops. Northwestern's main defensive challenge is stopping the run. The Wildcats went 7-1 when allowing fewer than 155 rushing yards but 0-5 when opponents reached that mark. That makes South Dakota State's ground production the central matchup in this game.

South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs Northwestern Wildcats Prediction

South Dakota State will provide a much tougher test than a typical FCS opponent. The Jackrabbits have several capable runners and enough defensive experience to keep Northwestern from taking control immediately. Northwestern still has the stronger roster and home-field advantage. Chiles gives the offense another dimension, while Komolafe and the Wildcats' ground game can wear down South Dakota State as the game progresses. Northwestern will create enough separation in the second half to clear the 12.5-point spread. Final Score Prediction: Northwestern Wildcats win and cover ATS, 31-17.