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Chris Stephenson
Steve Simoneau
7
Stetson STE 0-1 , 0-0
70
Winner South Dakota St. SDS 1-0 , 0-0
Stetson STE
0-1 , 0-0
7
Final
70
South Dakota St. SDS
1-0 , 0-0
Winner
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
STE Stetson 0 0 7 0 7
SDS South Dakota St. 21 21 28 0 70

Game Recap: Football |

Hatters Fall to No. 3 South Dakota State in Season Opener

BROOKINGS, S.D. — Stetson University opened the 2026 season with a 70-7 loss to No. 3/3 South Dakota State on Saturday night at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.

The Jackrabbits took control early and carried a 42-0 advantage into halftime before the Hatters broke through in the third quarter on a 3-yard touchdown run from Chris Stephenson.

Stephenson provided the biggest spark for the Stetson offense, rushing for 69 yards on 13 carries while also completing 4-of-6 passes for 62 yards. His third-quarter score marked the first touchdown of the 2026 season for the Hatters.

Starting quarterback Tom von Grote completed 17-of-26 passes for 95 yards in his Stetson debut. Malachi Townsend led the receiving corps with five catches for 44 yards, while Shawne Jones added a key 31-yard reception that helped set up Stetson's touchdown drive.

Defensively, Dylan Kelly led the Hatters with 12 total tackles in his Stetson debut. Shug Bentley added eight stops, while the secondary also received an early pass breakup from Jahyden Clark.

South Dakota State struck first with a 73-yard touchdown pass on its opening scoring drive before adding two rushing touchdowns to take a 21-0 lead after the first quarter.

The Jackrabbits extended the margin in the second quarter, beginning with a 65-yard punt return touchdown. A Stetson turnover later gave SDSU another short field, which the home side converted into another score.

Stetson put together its best drive of the first half late in the second quarter. Von Grote connected on a series of short completions to Dylan Redmon and Townsend as the Hatters moved deep into South Dakota State territory. The possession reached the SDSU 11-yard line before ending on downs.

The Jackrabbits carried a 42-0 lead into halftime and added two more quick scores early in the third quarter.

Stetson answered later in the period behind Stephenson. A 31-yard completion to Jones moved the Hatters into scoring position before Stephenson capped the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run. Paul DeSousa converted the extra point to put Stetson on the board.

The Hatters threatened again early in the fourth quarter. Stephenson helped move Stetson to the SDSU 18-yard line, but the drive stalled and ended on downs inside the 10.

South Dakota State controlled the remainder of the game to secure the 70-7 victory.

Stetson returns to DeLand for its home opener against Webber International on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.

Stetson Top Performers

Chris Stephenson

  • 69 rushing yards on 13 carries
  • 4-of-6 passing for 62 yards
  • 1 rushing touchdown

Dylan Kelly

  • 12 total tackles

Malachi Townsend

  • 5 receptions for 44 yards

Shug Bentley

  • 8 total tackles

Tom Von Grote

  • 17-of-26 passing
  • 95 passing yards

Game Notes

  • South Dakota State entered the game ranked No. 3 in both major FCS preseason polls.
  • Chris Stephenson's third-quarter touchdown was Stetson's first score of the 2026 season.
  • Stephenson finished with 69 rushing yards on 13 carries and added 62 passing yards.
  • Dylan Kelly led Stetson with 12 tackles in his first game as a Hatter.
  • Tom von Grote completed 17-of-26 passes for 95 yards in his Stetson debut.
  • Malachi Townsend led the Hatters with five receptions for 44 yards.

About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
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