Three-Star Tight End Jameson Smuda Commits to South Dakota State

Zimmerman (Min.) three-star tight end Jameson Smuda announced his commitment to South Dakota State on Tuesday.

“The coaches and culture they are building were the biggest reasons I committed. I feel like this is a staff that I could develop as a player and person under, and it seems like a really fun team to be a part of while remaining very competitive and improving rapidly,” Smuda said.

He had received his first offer from the Jackrabbits on January 31 when he was at their Junior Day, and spoke and met with head coach Dan Jackson and tight ends coach Vince Benedetto.

“I was at their Junior Day in January when I received my offer. They took me back into Coach Jackson’s area, and we had a great conversation along with my dad. It was my first offer at the time, and we were very grateful and excited about the opportunity. Coach Jackson and Coach Benedetto said all the right things, then I went and saw it in action at spring practice, and it felt like a place I could see myself," Smuda said.

"My relationship with the coaching staff is a growing process, but it's good at the moment for sure. I’ve had the chance to talk with a lot of the coaches a good bit, and start to build a relationship with all of them that’ll just continue to grow," he added.

Thank you God for help guiding me along this path! A big thanks to my family, coaches, SDSU staff, and teammates for believing in me. Therefore, I’m blessed and hyped up to be a Jackrabbit!@CoachDtjackson @Coach_Benedetto @CoachiJACK @SVGuybrarian @CoachKish pic.twitter.com/b3mf4B7V1D
— Jameson Smuda (@jamesonsmuda22) March 31, 2026

Looking Back At His Recruitment

The 6-foot-6, 220-pound Smuda is rated as a three-star prospect. Rivals has him at No. 1202 nationally, No. 62 among tight ends, and No. 13 in the state of Minnesota. In addition to South Dakota State, he also had offers from South Dakota and Cornell.

In 2025, he finished with eight receptions for 342 yards and five touchdowns, while averaging an incredible 43 yards per reception, for the Thunder, who are a run-heavy offensive team.

“Last season went well. Our team finished 7-3 and lost in the section championship, so we are trying to make it past that point this coming season. I carved out a role with blocking and being a serious deep threat within our offense, which was fun to be a part of.”

Recent Visit To South Dakota State

With SDSU in the middle of spring practice, Smuda was back in Brookings on March 14 to get another look at the Jackrabbits and catch up with the staff.

“The spring practice I hit up was a great experience. I got out there with my Mom this time, so she could see it, and we both loved it. Some things that stood out were the brotherhood that they are building there, and it seems like the coaches genuinely care about the players. It was a competitive atmosphere and was fun to be around.”

Had an awesome time at Spring Ball for @GoJacksFB hope to make it back to campus soon! @Coach_Benedetto @CoachDtjackson @SVGuybrarian @CoachKish pic.twitter.com/YMQdZwGUBu
— Jameson Smuda (@jamesonsmuda22) March 15, 2026

Smuda's Offseason Plans

Smuda has been busy during the offseason. In addition to his work on the gridiron, he also plays basketball and is now in the middle of track season.

“The offseason is going well. I finished up basketball season around a month ago, and now I am getting into track and field season, while staying consistent in the weight room and the classroom.”

With his recruitment locked in, he does not plan on taking any other visits and is locked in with the Jackrabbits.

“I do not have any visits planned, and I don’t think I will. I love it at South Dakota State!”

Follow FCS Football Central on social media for ongoing coverage of FCS football, including on X, Facebook, and YouTube.