The Jackrabbit defensive line had a plethera of injuries in 2025 that limited the overall impact of the group.  Guys were forced to play too many snaps and too many players were forced to take game reps before they were probably ready.  However, that experience caused many to grow up quick and means that the group this year is now deep in experience.  Coach Logan McCormick is in his second year leading the group and says that everyone is more confident in the system and in one another.  He says there is a sense of excitement in his group and that they are ready for this season.

Defensive Tackle

The tone setter in the room is #51 Logan Green (6’4, 300, Sr).  Logan’s impact game doesn’t always show up in the stats but he is one of the toughest guys on the team to move off the line of scrimmage and he stills has the ability to get after the quarterback.  Furthermore, McCormick says that he has been a bridge guys who actually played in the national championship games and understands what it takes to get to that level.  McCormick says he loves how Green approaches the game and that Logan knows the little details matter.   Green played in all 14 games and finished with 23 tackles, 10 TFL, and 5.5 sacks along with 2 PBU and 3 QBH.

Maybe the player who made the biggest jump in 2025 was #91 Jace Sifore (6’4, 295, SR).  Many of us familiar with South Dakota high school football knew that Jace had all the potential in the world. It just took some time to get there.  Coach McCormick credits Jace with embracing the opportunity and handling his responsibilities on and off the field.  McCormick said that as good as Sifore was over the last half of last season, he believes he has a ton left in him and looks for him to have a huge 2026.  Jace finished with 20 tackles, 4 TFL, and 3 sacks.

The starters seem set in stone but we all know that the strength of the chain gang is the depth and the ability to keep guys fresh by utilizing a big rotation.  Because of that, the Jacks brought in #93 Ashton Sayre (6’4, 285, SR) from Minnesota State Moorhead where he had 31 tackles.  McCormick said that Sayre has had to learn a different scheme but he’s gotten better in every phase of the game.  He’s played a lot of football and brings a really physical presence.  I recently attended a practice and Sayre was a player that caught my eye.  Another guy that will be in the rotation is #52 Brody Targgart (6’2, 275, JR) who transferred from IWCC in 2025 but lost last season due to getting injured during fall camp.  McCormick credits Brody with training so hard to get back from his injury and to be ready to go full tilt.  Targgart’s tape from Iowa Western showed a player who was quick off the snap and able to hold up against the run.

A group of younger players are looking to make their mark this season and will compete for reps.  #57 Sam Christensen (6’2, 280, RFR) was a bit of a revelation this spring and just seemed to always be around the ball and showing up in the highlights that the team put out on social media.  McCormick said that Sam spent last fall getting used to playing along the defensive line after being mostly an offensive lineman in high school.  He said that Sam is a smart kid who is also a great striker that is physical and moves really well.  #98 Mac Muller (6’1, 290, So) saw limited action the past two seasons.  Coach McCormick says that he is consistently growing, is always watching film, and desires to be great.  He said that Mac had a great offseason in the weight room and has added good weight. #96 Rhett Schaefer (6’3, 275, So) converted from DE to DT last season and has made a really good transition.  McCormick said that he is very physical and stout.  Even with the added weight Schaefer is still moving really well.  His wrestling background has helped him with the leverage required of the position.  #90 Danny Bradley (6’4, 285, RFr) is a second year player who has also moved from DE to DT.  McCormick said it has been continued growth from Bradley.  He’s growing into his body and increasing his understanding of the game.  McCormick thinks he’s ready to compete for time.

Like most coaches, McCormick is very excited about his freshmen but after attending practice, I’m pretty excited too.  The first player you notice in the defensive line group is #36 Bergan Tetzlaff (6’6, 272, FR).  It is almost impossible to believe that he played running back and middle linebacker for Brookings High School last year.  Tetz has experienced good growth over the summer and he really cares and is learning the system.  The coaches believe he may earn some playing time this fall.  #60 Connor Heiderman (6’4, 280, FR) was a camp standout last summer that earned a scholarship.  He’s really bought in to being a Jackrabbit according to McCormick and is very smart, physical, and strong.  He’s gained weight too since getting to Brookings and is picking up the defense nicely.  The final defensive tackle is #95 Eli Janssen (6’3, 255, FR) and he is different than Preston and Connor. He will play at a lighter weigh (probably 280) but he is really explosive.  He’s from the same high school as McCormick and Logan credits him with being really coachable.

Defensive Ends

The Jackrabbit defensive end group is loaded in 2026.  #99 Dawson Ripperda (6’4, 260, SR) was a warrior for the Jacks in 2026 and played in every game (and probably too many snaps) in 2026.   He finished with 43 tackles, 8.5 TFL, and 5 sacks.  McCormick said it has been good to see Ripperda get some recognition in the preseason voting for his efforts in 2025.  Coach said that Dawson is one of the toughest guys that he has been around.  He said that Ripp has gotten stronger in the weight room and that he’s bigger, faster, stronger, entering 2026.  He said that Dawson has become a leader and is more vocal.  Dawson also showed up in crucial situations in 2025 when the Jacks needed a pass rush.  Dawson was the guy that either got the pressure or got home.

#0 Carter Sitzman (6’4, 275, SR) joins the Jacks after spending 4 seasons at Wayne State where he was a 2x All-NSIC first team selection at defensive end.  Sitzman had 99 tackles and 13.5 sacks over the past three season for the Wildcats.  Coach McCormick said he has been a great addition to the room and fits the culture of the room and has earned the trust of the room.  McCormick continued that he will played either defensive end and may reduce in to defensive tackle in passing situations.  So far, he has been the star of fall camp.

The Jacks return #8 Reis Kirschenman (6’4, 255, JR) who was on the brink of an All-American type season before going down against Montana State.  If Reis can stay healthy, watch out!  McCormick said that Reis looks great and that he is very determined to start making plays.  He said that Reis has a desire to be great, represent SDSU, and represent the state of South Dakota.  He also said that Reis isn’t just a speed guy but is very physical and plays the run well and has great hands.  Again, if he stays healthy, watch out!

#97 Blake Leiferman (6’5, 265, So) and #49 Luke Krempges (6’4, 255, RFR) were two of the young guys that stepped up and earned playing time last fall when injuries hit this group.  Blake finished with 13 tackles, 2.5 TFL, and a sack.  Aftering converting from tight end, Blake has really grown and settled into the position.  Blake played 9-man in high school so is still learning according to McCormick.  He believes that Blake is ready to tkae the next step in his development.  Krempges was the freshman most ready to play and that resulted in seeing action in 6 games.  McCormick said that Luke is a very smart kid with a ton of ability.  He said that Luke has a good set of tools as a pass rusher and that he has added good weight and muscle as well.

#40 Liam Shaw (6’3, 255, RFR) and #46 Maverick LeBrun (6’5, 255, RFR) are two second year players who are looking to get in the rotation this season.  McCormick said that Liam is a player who has all the physical tools and that he ahs been mastering the scheme since January.  He said Liam is a player that is ready to cut it loose.  It caught my attention when McCormick said that Liam is the best pass rusher he has ever been around.  Remember, McCormick played with Greg Menard and the Tuszka brothers at NDSU.  He said that Shaw has maybe the most natural feel for hand engagement and battling that he has seen.  If Shaw can serve as a situational pass rusher in 2026, that would be great.  LeBrun is also moving up from playing 9-man in high school.  He has grown from 205 lbs to 260 now according to McCormick. He’s a long body who works really hard.  He’s excited for the opportunity for an expanded role this season and is looking great.

Again, the Jacks have brought in a talented trio of freshmen.  They all have long arms, are very athletic, and were great track athletes (as well as football players) in high school.  #89 Grant Kuhlmann (6’6, 260, FR) is big and strong for first year player and he will push everyone older than him and ensure that they are bringing their A-game.  #94 Cale Buntz (6’5, 230, FR) is maybe one of the bendier pass rushers the Jacks have brought in.  He can really turn the corner and dip under the offensive tackles.  It will be fun to follow his career as a Jackrabbit.  #50 Kayden Oakland (6’4, 230, FR) looks like a linebacker and has elite movement skills according to McCormick.  McCormick envisions him as being an explosive pass rusher as well.

The chain gang is again healthy and is deeper than they were thanks to some key additions in the portal.  I’m excited to watch this group wreck games as they have in the past.  There are plenty of familiar names too that the team can count on and if they have truly taken a step… watch out!

Go Jacks!

Matt