South Dakota State’s women’s basketball team is picked to finish second in the Summit League preseason poll, while the Jackrabbit men are projected to end up third. The poll, released less than a month before the 2026-27 season begins, places the South Dakota women third and the men fifth.
The Jackrabbit men, now entering Bryan Petersen’s second season as head coach, are looking to rebound after a 14-18 record in 2025-26, marking their first losing season since 2009-10. They fell to St. Thomas in the quarterfinals of last year’s Summit League tournament. Three SDSU players earned preseason honors: Joe Sayler made the Preseason First Team All-Summit League, while Kalen Garry and Jesse Van Kalsbeek were named to the Second Team.
South Dakota State’s women finished 27-7 last season, securing second place in the regular season before clinching their fourth consecutive Summit League tournament title. Their run ended with a first-round loss to Washington in the NCAA Tournament. Emilee Fox, Hadley Thul, and Katie Vasecka were all named to the Preseason Second Team All-Summit League.
The South Dakota men endured a challenging 2025-26 season, dealing with numerous injuries that contributed to their 16-16 finish. They were eliminated by Omaha in the Summit League tournament quarterfinals. Vince Buzelis was the only Coyote named to the All-Summit League preseason teams, earning a spot on the Second Team.
The South Dakota women improved significantly from the previous year, compiling a 26-10 record. Their season ended with a loss to South Dakota State in the Summit League tournament semifinals, but they advanced to the WNIT Fab Four. Returning guard Molly Joyce was the Coyotes’ sole preseason first-team honoree.
The Summit League preseason poll reflects expectations based on last season’s performances and returning talent. South Dakota State’s women, coming off a strong tournament run, are tipped as contenders just behind the top spot. Meanwhile, the men face the task of rebuilding after a sub-.500 campaign.
South Dakota’s men and women will aim to improve their standings after mixed results last season. The Coyotes’ women’s team, buoyed by Joyce’s preseason recognition, could push for a higher finish in the league.
The poll sets the stage for a competitive 2026-27 Summit League season, with both South Dakota State and South Dakota poised to test their preseason rankings once play begins.
According to Yahoo Sports.
