The South Dakota State Jackrabbits made the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013 last season. They finished with a subpar record during the regular season. However, a great run in the Summit League Championship earned them a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

The Jackrabbits picked up wins over Oral Roberts and Northern Colorado en route to winning the tournament.

After a historic season for South Dakota State baseball, the Jackrabbits do have some talented returners coming back for the 2027 season.

Owen Siegert, Nate Wachter, and Luke Luskey all return to SDSU's batting lineup

Three key hitters are back for the Jackrabbits in 2027. Owen Siegert, Nate Wachter, and Luke Luskey all played massive roles in South Dakota State's offense a season ago.

Siegert finished the 2026 season with a .343 batting average and a .452 on-base percentage. He led the Jackrabbits in both of those statistical categories. Siegert also had six doubles, three triples, and 17 RBIs last season. He can be one of the Summit League's most productive bats in 2027.

Wachter also had a productive 2026 season. He finished with a .303 batting average and also had eight doubles, four home runs, and 41 RBIs. He was top three in batting average and RBIs for South Dakota State a season ago.

The Jackrabbits' biggest power hitter is returning for the 2027 season. Luskey hit a team-leading 13 home runs a season ago. He was the only South Dakota State player to reach double figures in home runs. Luskey also finished with a .291 batting average, a .413 on-base percentage, and 55 RBIs.

If South Dakota State wants to replicate that postseason magic from last season. It starts with Siegert, Wachter, and Luskey on offense.

South Dakota State's top pitcher is returning

The Jackrabbits do have their top pitcher returning to Brookings. Last season, Drew McDowell led South Dakota State with a 4.20 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP in 45 innings. He also had 48 strikeouts and allowed an opposing batting average of .138.

On April 28, McDowell and fellow South Dakota State pitcher Austin Henry threw a combined no-hitter. It was the first no-hitter for the Jackrabbits since they moved up to Division I.

The Jackrabbits beat the Division III Buena Vista Beavers during that no-hitter, 11-1. In that game, McDowell had seven strikeouts and allowed no hits in six innings.

In 2027, McDowell is a surefire candidate to be South Dakota State's ace. He made just six starts last season.

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