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…