The 25th-ranked Dakota State football team opened the 2026 season with a 35-27 win over Dakota Wesleyan Saturday night at Brian Kern Family Stadium in Madison.
The Trojans jumped out to a 21-nothing halftime lead behind quarterback Tray Hettick, who had a career night through the air.
Hettick completed 23 of 32 passes for a career-high 429 yards and five touchdowns.
Melek Ford was his top target, catching nine passes for a career-high 242 yards and two touchdowns.
Dakota Wesleyan rallied in the second half, outscoring the Trojans 27-14 over the final two quarters. But Dakota State made several big defensive plays to preserve the victory.
Tamareon “Frosty” Foster, Michael Foster and Aidan Jahns each intercepted Tigers quarterback Jed Jenson in the second half.
Jahns’ interception with 37 seconds remaining sealed the victory.
Dakota State finished with 462 yards of total offense, including 429 through the air. The Trojans were held to just 33 rushing yards.
The win gives Dakota State the Chamber of Commerce Traveling Trophy and improves the Trojans to 1-and-0 on the season.
It also extends Dakota State’s winning streak to six games dating back to last season.
The Trojans return to action Saturday when they travel to Spearfish to take on NCAA Division Two Black Hills State. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. Central.
