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The North Dakota State Bison enter the 2025 season with the momentum of a national championship firmly in hand, having capped off a 14-2 campaign in 2024 with a title victory over Montana State. First-year head coach Tim Polasek silenced any doubters, guiding the Bison to their first championship since 2021. While the team showcased offensive prowess, ranking third in the FCS with 38.13 points per game (193 rushing, 224 passing), and a stout defense allowing just 18.63 points (124.3 rushing, 196.88 passing), they face the challenge of replacing key talent in 2025.
NDSU's 2024 season was marked by consistent dominance, with signature victories over Illinois State (10-4), South Dakota State (12-4), and a national championship triumph against Montana State (15-1). Their opening contest against Colorado (9-4) offered an early glimpse into what the Bison were capable of; they competed fiercely, coming up five points short of a major upset. A near-loss to East Tennessee State highlighted some vulnerabilities, but ultimately, the Bison found a way to win and claim the ultimate prize.
Key Departures (15): DT Eli Mostaert, DE Loshiaka Roques, RB CharMar Brown, QB Cam Miller, RG Jake Rock, LT Grey Zabel, RT Mason Miller, TE Joe Stoffel, SLB Enock Sibomana, WR Braylon Henderson, MLB Nick Kubitz, CB Marcus Sheppard, K Griffin Crosa, P Kaedin Steindorf, S Cole Wisniewski.
Key Returnees (11): C Trent Fraley, LG Griffin Empey, WR Bryce Lance, RB Barika Kpeenu, DE Tony Anene, WLB Logan Kopp, CB Jailen Duffie, SS Darius Givance, FS Jaylin Crumby, LS Caleb Bowers, KR/PR Jackson Williams.
Portal Additions (9): LB Alex Elliot (Minnesota), CB Jalon Peoples (Texas Tech), DT Obald Niyonkuru (Iowa State), DE Chance Symons (Arizona State), RB DJ Scott (Kennesaw State), RB Cortez LeGrant (Minnesota), CB Jaylen Archibald (Air Force), CB Antoine Booth II (James Madison), DE Jack Iuliano (UAlbany).
The offensive line, a traditional strength for NDSU, will be a focal point with three new starters. Trent Fraley, who allowed just one sack in 752 snaps in 2024, will anchor the unit at center. Griffin Empey, a Freshman All-American, brings versatility and stability at left guard.
At quarterback, Cole Payton steps into the starting role, looking to build on his rushing prowess (1,141 yards, 18 touchdowns career) by developing his passing game. His ability to evolve as a passer will be critical to the Bison's offensive ceiling.
Barika Kpeenu, with 1,278 career rushing yards, is set for a breakout season as the lead back. Transfer running backs DJ Scott and Cortez LeGrant will compete for snaps and provide depth. Bryce Lance, coming off a stellar 2024 season with 1,071 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns, will be the primary target at wide receiver. Veteran RaJa Nelson further sustains the wideout room, returning with 885 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns under his belt (career total). An alternative option on the perimeter for QB Cole Payton will be tight end Carson Williams, who has a chance to start with the departure of Joe Stoffel.
The defensive line sees significant turnover, with edge rusher Tony Anene as the lone returning starter. Anene's nine starts in 2024 (29 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks) make him a crucial piece. Rotational defensive tackles Jaxon Duttenhefer and Keenan Wilson, who combined for 29 tackles and 5 sacks, will also be vital.
In the linebacking corps, Logan Kopp is poised for a big season after leading the team with 73 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, and 3 sacks. Minnesota transfer linebacker Alex Elliot, with his 6-2, 220-pound frame, is a strong contender for a starting spot, potentially at middle linebacker.
The secondary appears to be a strength, with three starters returning and three portal additions. Strong safety Darius Givance (45 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 PBUs) and free safety Jaylin Crumby (29 tackles, 3 PBUs) form a solid safety tandem. Defensive Back Jailen Duffie appears to be a guaranteed starter, having the upper hand over transfer additions due to his significant experience with the program. Rotational asset Jaquise Alexander is tasked with fending off Jalon Peoples (Texas Tech), Jaylen Archibald (Air Force), and Antoine Booth II (James Madison).
There is plenty of reason for optimism regarding NDSU’s special teams unit due to numerous athletes with immense potential meshing with established, proven returnees.
Playing an underrated role, long snapper Caleb Bowers is coming off the tail end of an All-MVFC Honorable Mention season. He started all 16 contests for the Bison and provided a boost to NDSU’s special teams.
Kicker Eli Ozick is ready to embrace a starting role, handling kickoff duties last season and going 3/5 on field goal attempts. He delivered a booming kick of 54 yards in a thriller against ETSU, which was the second longest in school history.
Explosive kick and punt returner Jackson Williams embarks on his sophomore year, focusing on further enhancing his profile – one that is highlighted by First Team All-American nominations.
Backup punter Aaron Bickerton has been waiting for a moment similar to this, and now gets it with the departure of Kaedin Steindorf.
Bold indicates home games
After a clash with Southern Illinois, the Bison could find themselves looking ahead to the Dakota Marker Game. NDSU almost suffered a loss in Terre Haute in 2022; could we see a similar story unfold?
The Alerus Center has not been friendly to NDSU. Can the Hawks stun the Bison once again?
