Led by 22nd-year head coach John Stiegelmeier, the Jackrabbits compiled an overall record of 10–3 with a mark of 6–2 in conference play, placing second in the MVFC.

South Dakota State received an at-large bid to the NCAA Division I Football Championship playoffs, where, after a first round bye, the Jackrabbits defeated Duquesne in the second round and Kennesaw State in the quarterfinals before falling to fellow MVFC member and eventual national champion, North Dakota State, in the semifinals.

The team played home games on campus at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota.

The MVFC released their preseason poll on July 29, 2018, with the Jackrabbits predicted to finish in second place.

[3] The Jackrabbits placed seven players at eight positions on the preseason all-MVFC teams.