The 1945 season marked South Dakota's return to intercollegiate football after two seasons of hiatus during World War II. The program had been suspended after the 1942 season due to a dearth of talent. Athletic director Carl B. "Rube" Hoy noted that the talent shortage continued in 1945: "The success of football this year will largely depend on the number of 16 and 17-year-old boys coming to school this fall, plus the discharged veterans."[2]
The annual rivalry game with South Dakota State was not played, because South Dakota announced its return to football after South Dakota State had already set its 1945 schedule.[2]
Grant Heckenlively was hired as the program's new head coach. He had played center for the team from 1937 to 1940, served in the military during the war, and had been recently discharged.[2]
In mid-September, 30 students showed up for the team's pre-season practice.[3]