Offense
The quarterback position belongs to Nathan Hayes. He has waited his turn, and it is the seniors time to shine. He has a strong arm and is also a rushing threat. Trey Drake seems to be the next man up. North Dakota State has had five straight quarterbacks drafted, starting with Carson Wentz, so history is on the Bison’s side.
The running back room returns production in DJ Scott. Scott averaged 5.3 yards per carry on less than 100 carries. That workload will certainly increase. He will be joined by Myles Mitchell and Holy Cross transfer Nyeoti Punni. Punni is a big, physical back, while Mitchell is very quick. Also watch out for true freshman Braylon Tolliver.
The wide receiver room will need young players to emerge. Mekhi Collins, Jackson Williams, Logan Conklin, and Isiah St. Roman have the most returning reps. Tight end Reis Kessel averaged 22.3 yards per reception last season. With all that said, a new WR1 must emerge.
The offensive line room returns three starters in Griffin Empey (FCS All-American), Josh Magin, and Nate Tastad. Ryan Babatz, Noah Stommes, Jack Liwienski, and Nate Schneckloth also have experience. The addition of Kene Anene (Kansas) really helps solidify this unit.
Defense
The defensive line room returns experience in Keenan Wilson (FCS All-American), Kelton McCaslin, Logan Larson, Matthew Stenbroten, Victor Isele, Alijah Wayne, and Zach Vanderpool. The additions of Anthony Okes (NAIA Montana Tech) and Truman Griffith (Kansas State) provide even more depth to an already deep unit.
The linebacker room returns experienced production from Donovan Woolen and Peder Haugo but will need younger players to emerge. Watch out for redshirt freshman Gavin Sell. The addition of Keith Williams Jr. (Cornell) is massive. He will be the starting middle linebacker.
The secondary returns experience in Darius Givance, Jaylin Crumby, and Taylen Eady. All three are safeties. The cornerback spot will be manned by transfers. DJ Voltz (D2 Saginaw Valley State), EJ Davis (D2 Wayne State NE), and Chance Tucker (Notre Dame) are all up for the task.
Specialists
Punter Aaron Bickerton returns after a very solid season. The kicking duties should belong to Drew Klein, who was 1/1 last season, but it was from 46 yards. Jackson Williams can be a very dangerous weapon as a return man.
2026 Schedule
- 8/29 Jacksonville State
- 9/5 Fordham
- 9/12 at Air Force
- 9/19 at Sacramento State
- 10/3 Wyoming
- 10/10 at UNLV
- 10/17 Nevada
- 10/24 at New Mexico
- 10/31 UTEP
- 11/14 at Hawai’i
- 11/21 Northern Illinois
- 11/27 at San Jose State
Final Analysis
This program has been ready to make the move for years. Don't be shocked at all if they are at or near the top of the Mountain West Conference in year one. Tim Polusek has three losses in two years, so you know he can coach. The biggest questions are at wide receiver and cornerback. The conference road slate is also difficult, but this program is built for this.
