The No. 1 team in FCS football has fallen. And for the first time in its Division I history, North Dakota is the team responsible.
No. 15 North Dakota stunned No. 1 South Dakota State 21-10 on Oct. 17 at the Alerus Center, marking the Fighting Hawks' first victory over an AFCA No. 1-ranked FCS opponent since moving to Division I in 2008. After five previous failed attempts against top-ranked FCS teams, North Dakota finally broke through, handing the Jackrabbits their first Missouri Valley Football Conference loss of the season.
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And North Dakota didn't need a last-second miracle to make history. The Fighting Hawks jumped out to a 21-0 lead, held South Dakota State to just 10 points and never surrendered control. North Dakota improved to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in MVFC play, while SDSU fell to 5-2 and 2-1.
South Dakota State vs. North Dakota Final Score
Final: No. 15 North Dakota 21, No. 1 South Dakota State 10
Halftime: North Dakota 21, South Dakota State 3
Date: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
Location: Alerus Center, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Conference: Missouri Valley Football Conference
Attendance: 12,922
How Did North Dakota Upset No. 1 South Dakota State?
The Fighting Hawks did their damage early.
Quarterback Jerry Kaminski found Cameron Weir for a 35-yard touchdown late in the first quarter. Charles Langama followed with a 49-yard touchdown run, and Kaminski connected with Deng Deng for a 12-yard score to make it 21-0 in the second quarter.
South Dakota State finally answered with a 30-yard field goal from Tristan Alvano just before halftime.
James Basinger then broke loose for a 63-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 21-10.
That was as close as the Jackrabbits would get.
South Dakota State's final scoring opportunity ended when Alvano missed a field goal with 2:22 remaining. North Dakota ran out the clock to secure the upset.
North Dakota's Defense Shut Down The No. 1 Team
South Dakota State entered Saturday with the nation's No. 1 rushing offense, averaging 291.8 yards per game and scoring 21 touchdowns on the ground through its first six contests.
North Dakota held the Jackrabbits to 157 rushing yards and just 10 points.
The Fighting Hawks also limited SDSU quarterback Chase Mason to 14 completions on 33 attempts for 169 yards.
Cornerback Grant Noland was especially disruptive, recording six pass breakups as North Dakota repeatedly stalled the Jackrabbits' passing attack.
SDSU converted only four of its 15 third-down opportunities and failed on two of three fourth-down attempts.
South Dakota State vs. North Dakota Stat Leaders
North Dakota Stat Leaders
Passing: Jerry Kaminski — 10-of-16, 116 yards, 2 TDs
Rushing: Matt Lawson — 24 carries, 99 yards
Receiving: Deng Deng — 4 receptions, 40 yards, 1 TD
Big Play: Charles Langama — 60 rushing yards, 49-yard TD
Defense: Tyler Erkman — 8 tackles
Pass Defense: Grant Noland — 6 pass breakups
South Dakota State Stat Leaders
Passing: Chase Mason — 14-of-33, 169 yards
Rushing: James Basinger — 11 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD
Receiving: Jack Smith — 4 receptions, 62 yards
Defense: Dontay Johnson — 12 tackles
Special Teams: Max Pelham — 6 punts, 51.0-yard average
North Dakota Makes FCS Football History
North Dakota had lost its previous five matchups against No. 1 FCS opponents, making Saturday's victory a milestone for the program.
It was also the Fighting Hawks' first victory over South Dakota State since 2021, snapping a five-game losing streak in the series.
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When Do South Dakota State And North Dakota Play Next?
Both teams return to MVFC action Saturday, Oct. 24.
South Dakota State: Hosts Murray State.
North Dakota: Visits South Dakota.
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