North Dakota State and South Dakota State first met in 1903, when NDSU was North Dakota Agricultural. In the years since the Bison and Jackrabbits have met a total 114 times, with the 115th coming in 2023. It wasn’t until 2004, when both schools moved up to Division 1, that a rivalry trophy was created to celebrate this heated and close rivalry. It was decided that a replica of the mile markers that mark the border between the Dakotas would be the ideal prize awarded to the winner.

The Dakota Marker is 75 lbs. and it means almost everything to these two football programs that are only 190 miles apart. It’s important to note that the winner of the regular season contest takes home the marker; when the two schools happen to meet later in the season it’s for a different trophy: The National Championship.

Our marker stands about 16 inches, and its base is 8 inches by 8 inches. Weighing about 7 lbs. the trophy is perfect for the mantle or anywhere else where displaying that Bison or Jackrabbit pride is paramount.