Exciting Possibility of 3-Peat Headlines MVFC Media Days

SDSU Jackrabbits Championship Team | Media Days — © Samantha Laurey/Argus Leader/USA TODAY NETWORK

The two-day Missouri Valley Football Conference Media Days event wrapped up on July 24. During the second day of the event, coaches of six of the conference's 11 teams fielded questions from reporters. First up was coach Jimmy Rogers of the back-to-back defending FCS national champion South Dakota State Jackrabbits. In 2024, SDSU looks to replicate the FCS championship three-peat last achieved by the North Dakota State Bison between 2017 and 2019.

South Dakota State Jackrabbits

Unsurprisingly, the Jackrabbits are ranked No. 1 in the Hero Sports MVFC preseason poll released on July 22. SDSU received 42 out of 44 first-place votes. Asked to comment on this poll, Rogers said he and his players will "block out outside noise" and not be influenced by the preseason poll.

Last year's talented squad had two players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft—offensive lineman Mason McCormick, selected in the fourth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the No. 119 overall pick and running back Isaiah Davis, selected by the New York Jets in the fifth round with the No. 173 pick. Despite these key departures, Rogers said he believes new players will step in and keep the offensive line and rushing attack strong.

The Jackrabbits open their season with a stiff challenge, traveling to Stillwater, Okla. to play the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Rogers said he and his team are excited about the challenge.

SDSU Coach Jimmy Rogers | MVFC Media Days — © Jonathan Fernandez/Argus Leader/USA TODAY NETWORK

South Dakota Coyotes

Coach Bob Nielson told reporters that he and his Coyotes are "striving for consistency" after coming off an impressive 10-3 record in 2023, when their only stumbles came against the Missouri Tigers, the SDSU Jackrabbits and the North Dakota State Bison. The loss to the Bison occurred in the second round of the FCS playoffs. Nielson said he and his returning players still feel the sting from that playoff loss. They are "looking for better results" this year.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Coyotes return 10 starters. Despite losses of several key defensive players and "new faces in linebacker corps," Nielson expressed his belief that South Dakota's defense will be strong once again. The coach emphasized that the Coyotes have "great leadership at every position group."

Nielson also gave a tip of his cap to his university's athletic department, noting all-around support of his team, including facilitation of the installation of premium "new turf" in the DakotaDome in Vermillion, S.D.

South Dakota Coach Bob Nielson | Media Days — © Briana Sanchez/Argus Leader

Southern Illinois Salukis

The Salukis have won three games against FBS opponents in recent years, including victories over Colorado State (2018), Northwestern (2022) and Northern Illinois (2023). They went 8-5 last year, making it to the second round of the FCS playoffs, where they fell to the Idaho Vandals in overtime.

Coach Nick Hill kicked off his remarks by declaring, "I'm excited about our quarterback room. I really am." He noted that the Salukis are moving into a new era, with the departure of record-setting QB Nic Baker, who holds all-time school marks in passing yards (9,404) and touchdowns (67). A competition is underway between juniors DJ Williams and Hunter Simmons. Hill noted that Williams and Simmons are both big signal callers, providing the Salukis with a different look, as Baker stands only 5-foot-9.

On the defense, Hill focused on linebacker Colin Bohanek, a Chicago native about whom Hill said, "The sky is the limit." He described Bohanek as the "core" of Southern Illinois' defense.

The Salukis open their season on Aug. 31 against BYU in Provo, Utah.

Southern Illinois Salukis Coach | MVFC Media Days — © David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Missouri State Bears

The 2024 season is the Bears' last year in FCS. Because they are transitioning to FBS, Missouri State has been declared ineligible to participate in the FCS playoffs this year. The Bears will become an official member of Conference USA in July 2025.

Second-year coach Ryan Beard said the playoff ineligibility will not take any wind out of the sails of his team this year. Their goal is to win the MVFC championship in the "best conference in FCS by far" and to be home with their families for Thanksgiving, where they hope to "watch everybody else in the Valley dominate in the playoffs."

Reporters asked Beard about talented but oft-injured RB JacardiaWright, who transferred to Missouri State from Kansas State in the 2022 offseason. Beard said Wright has had a "tremendous offseason" and has "trimmed down" but is "still a powerful runner." Regarding the injury issue, the coach said Wright has been working with the team's nutritionist and strength and conditioning coach.

The Bears kick off their season against the Montana Grizzlies.

Missouri State Bears Coach Ryan Beard | MVFC Media Days — © Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader/USA TODAY NETWORK

North Dakota Fighting Hawks

Veteran coach Bubba Schweigert has led the Fighting Hawks of North Dakota to the FCS playoffs in four out of the last five seasons. Last year, the Hawks lost to the Sacramento State Hornets in the first round of the playoffs. Schweigert stressed that the team's goal in 2024 is to make a deep run into the playoffs

Noting that North Dakota was "solid up front last year," the coach is focused on replacing key departures from his offensive line. He emphasized the need for the OL to be a "tight-knit group."

Reporters asked Schweigert if he felt some of his players had been improperly tampered with by FBS suitors. However, the coach declined to comment on that subject.

Schweigert told members of the media that he is "excited" about bringing in offensive coordinator Isaac Fruechte, who comes to North Dakota from Winona State.

The Fighting Hawks' season commences on Aug. 31 with a trip to Ames, Iowa for a contest against the Iowa State Cyclones.

North Dakota Coach Bubba Schweigert | MVFC Media Days — © Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois State Redbirds

Coach Brock Spack has been leading the Redbirds since 2009. He said this year's squad is one of the deepest they have had "in a while." For example, Illinois State has a receiver room comprised of "six or seven guys" with the talent and experience to make an impact in games this year.

Illinois State went 6-5 in 2023 and looks to improve this year. Spack said he and his staff are focused on winning close games. He said they did not do a good job finishing games last year, resulting in several close losses. Hence, the Redbirds are emphasizing "two-minute drills." The coach also remarked that he and his staff are very pleased with the improvements they have seen with their "defensive front seven."

Spack was willing to acknowledge that tampering is taking place. He noted that "a couple" of his players have told him that "they've had some phone calls." However, the coach indicated that no solution to the problem is apparent. He said: "I don't know how you police tampering now."