South Dakota football players made their Division I intentions official on Wednesday. 

The early college football signing day for Division I football is Dec. 21 and a host of South Dakotans inked national letters of intent. 

The group is highlighted by a pair of Pierre players heading to Big Ten schools in quarterback Lincoln Kienholz (Ohio State) and lineman Jason Maciejczak (Nebraska). There are seven players staying in state, including six going to FCS championship finalist South Dakota State University. 

Here’s a list of players that signed national letters of intent on Wednesday:

Note: The regular signing period starts Feb. 1, 2023. 

Brenden Begeman, Herreid/Selby Area, South Dakota State, (6-2, 210) - Begeman was a three-time all-state selection, including the past two seasons as a running back. Begeman, a South Dakota State University commit, finished his career as the state’s all-time leading rusher (6,807 yards) and scored more than 100 career touchdowns. This season, he rushed for 2,997 rushing yards, the most in a single season in state history. Begeman averaged 253.4 rushing yards per game this season and scored a total of 49 touchdowns this season.

Jackson Isakson, Aberdeen Christian, South Dakota State (6-3, 200) - Isakson was a multi-faceted athlete for Aberdeen Roncalli, but came in clutch as a kicker for the Cavaliers. The senior was 22-of-25 on point-after-attempts and 6-of-9 on field goals, with a long of 48 yards. 24 of his 32 kickoffs were touchbacks. He kicked 18 career field goals, and has started as the kicker since the eighth grade. Isakson was an honorable mention all-state selection in 2020, an all-state selection in 2021, and a three-time All-NEC selection. He is ranked by Kohls/ESPN as the 69th best kicker in the country.

Lincoln Kienholz, Pierre, Ohio State (6-3, 185) - Kienholz orchestrated another state championship run and buttoned up one of the best individual careers in state history. Kienholz finished his senior season with 3,422 passing yards and 46 passing touchdowns, while rushing for 1,435 yards and 24 touchdowns. For his career, Kienholz finished with a state-record 9,100 passing yards and 104 passing touchdowns. He added 3,502 rushing yards and 44 rushing scores. He was a member of four state championships for Pierre, including three as a starter. He’s a three-time all-state quarterback and a three-time Joe Robbie MVP winner. Kienholz is also an all-state basketball and baseball player.

Reis Kirschenman, Tea Area, South Dakota State (6-4, 240) - Kirschenman regularly drew opposing lines' attention and still powered Tea Area’s defensive front. He finished with 16 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. For his career, he finished with 58 tackles, 25 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks. Kirschenman was selected as team captain and is a repeat all-state performer. 

Will Paepke, Rapid City Central, South Dakota State (6-4, 255) - Paepke anchored the offensive and defensive lines for the Cobblers. He was an all-conference selection. 

Jason Maciejczak, Pierre, Nebraska (6-4, 320) - Maciejczak was a massive body along Pierre’s offensive and defensive lines. This season, he posted 21 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks and one fumble recovery. He was an all-state lineman for Douglas in 2020 and ‘21. 

Abraham Myers, Sioux Falls Washington, North Dakota State (6-3, 230) - Myers was a force on the Warriors defensive line. The senior finished with 34.5 tackles, 15.5 tackles-for-loss, 11.5 sacks, and one blocked punt. Myers is a two-time All-Metro Conference player and team captain. 

Reed Rus, Mount Vernon/Plankinton, University of South Dakota (6-3, 205) - Rus was a mainstay on the Titans football team the last several years. The four year starter led the team in yards and tackles during his senior season. Rus rushed for 1,172 yards and 21 touchdowns, while passing for 444 yards and four touchdowns. He was an all-state selection the past two seasons and is a two-time SESD All-Conference selection.

Chase Van Tol, Tea Area, South Dakota State (6-1, 180) - Van Tol was a productive player all over the field for the Titans. He rushed for 1,113 yards and scored 16 touchdowns, while hauling in 188 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions. He posted 1,301 all-purpose yards. Defensively, he logged 26 tackles and six tackles for loss. He finished 48 of 56 on PAT attempts and 4 of 7 on field goals, including a 44-yarder. For his career, he finished with 2,139 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns. He racked up 2,672 all-purpose yards in his career, while recording 74 tackles and nine tackles for loss. He finished 15 of 21 on field goals, including a career-long 51-yarder. 

Griffin Wilde, Sioux Falls Jefferson, South Dakota State (6-2, 180) - Wilde was one of the Cavaliers top targets this season, racking up 946 yards receiving on 46 receptions and 10 touchdowns. On defense, Wilde recorded 22 tackles and two interceptions and is a two-time all-state selection.