When thinking about college football strongholds, Fargo, North Dakota, might seem like a curious place to start. How could a region so sparsely populated make such a sizable dent on America's Game?
Well, it's quite simple. Fargo is the home of North Dakota State, one of the greatest footballing institutions in the Football Championship Subdivison. The Bison have compiled a 785-382-34 record since making their pigskin debut in 1894. In the process, they've proven to be a factory line for NFL-ready talent. And did we mention they have 17 national championships in school history to their name?
NDSU takes center stage Thursday, slated to face off against Deion Sanders' mighty Colorado, but the Bison can put forth a strong showing against the Buffs, it could leave a lasting impression in the minds of fans.
No pressure, right?
With that, the Sporting News fills you in on North Dakota State's roster, schedule, and rise to prominence in FCS competition.
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North Dakota State roster 2024
North Dakota State is a side teeming with talent in 2024, buoyed by strong play under center and in the secondary.
The Bison are led by star quarterback Cam Miller, one of FCS's most efficient hurlers in 2023. Miller completed 208 of 289 pass attempts for 2,688 yards and 19 touchdowns to just four interceptions for NDSU, which fell in the FCS playoff semifinals last year.
In addition to his throwing prowess, Miller also tends to find joy when carrying the ball downfield, as well. He was the Bison's' second-leading rusher last season, recording 645 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. It's easy to see why he was named to the Walter Payton Award watchlist ahead of the 2024 season.
Miller is far from the only standout expected to make waves for NDSU. So, too, is his backup, Cole Payton. Payton didn't get a ton of pass attempts in his sophomore campaign in 2023. He did, however, show off his chops in the open field,as Payton matched Miller's touchdown total on the ground, recording 13 scores in 51 fewer rushes than his positional adversary. Payton averaged 7.3 yards per carry in 2023, one of the highest rates in the country among FCS talents, and he could get a look in the pros as more of a hybrid H-back/TE type.
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Miller and Payton are as dangerous a pairing under center as anyone in FCS. They spearhead a fairly prolific offense, one that is expected to get even more effective in 2024 following the arrival of gifted offensive mind — and former Wyoming offensive coordinator — Tim Polasek, who was named Bison head coach during the offseason.
The defensive side of the ball has long been NDSU's calling card. It figures to continue to play a key role in 2024, although to what extent is anyone's guess. For starters, the departure of former head coach Matt Entz — who took up the linebackers and assistant coach gig at USC
A big reason why is the play of All-American safety Cole Wisniewski, who reeled in an FCS-leading eight interceptions last season.
Wisniewski won't take part in the action Thursday; Polasek revealed that the safety will be sidelined for a "significant" amount of time after undergoing foot surgery.
Nevertheless, if he is able to return to the field at some point, he's likely to spearhead a defensive unit hoping to make a splash. Last year's squad ranked ninth in total defense, surrendering just 302.6 yards a game. If it can mimic those displays to some degree, 2024 could be quite a fruitful campaign for Polasek and the Bison.
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North Dakota State projected draft picks
Despite residing in FCS, North Dakota State isn't lacking in star power. NFL scouts appear to be taking notice, earmarking a handful of NDSU talents for the next level.
Wisniewski's reputation precedes him: he was graded as PFF's No. 1 safety in 2023, outshining the likes of Tyler Nubin, Javon Bullard, and Cole Bishop, all of whom heard their names called within the first 60 picks. His injury is certain to raise some concerns among some of the league's power brokers. But Wisniewski's production doesn't lie. He's likely to draw some real NFL looks in 2025.
So, too, will his teammate, left tackle Grey Zabel. Following NDSU's loss in the FCS playoffs semifinals — and Entz's departure — Zabel was the talk of the town among rival programs. In the end, he opted to stay with the Bison, hoping to bring the side to glory in 2024. He's widely viewed as a top-100 prospect in next year's draft and will look to keep Miller and Payton's pockets clean in the coming few months.
North Dakota State football coaches
NDSU underwent a facelift in its coaching ranks this offseason, with Entz embarking for a new journey in Pasadena. In his stead steps Tim Polasek, a first-time head coach who spent nine seasons with the program in various coaching roles.
Polasek most recently manned the offensive coordinator post at Wyoming. Under his tutelage, the Cowboys were solid, if unspectacular; they ranked ninth, eighth and ninth in scoring among Mountain West sides across his three seasons with the program.
Joining Polasek on the sideline is a cadre of new faces, including offensive coordinator Jake Landry and co-defensive coordinators Nick Goeser and Grant Olson. Entz and his staff were viewed as more defensive-minded by onlookers. Polasek and Co. figure to offer a different skillset, with the new Bison boss expected to employ a more attacking approach in 2024. He's also known to be a highly regarded motivator, a facet he's hoping to showcase in his new job, as well.
“Kids want to be coached hard,” Polasek said, per The Minnesota Star-Tribune. “You never hear from players, ‘You guys are being too hard on us.’"
North Dakota State football schedule 2024
Below is a complete schedule of the Bisons' 2024 football season.
| Date | Game | Tickets |
| Thurs., Aug. 29 | at Colorado | Buy now |
| Sat., Sept. 7 | vs. Tennessee State | Buy now |
| Sat., Sept. 14 | at East Tennessee State | Buy now |
| Sat., Sept. 21 | vs. Towson | Buy now |
| Sat., Sept. 28 | at Illinois State* | Buy now |
| Sat., Oct. 5 | vs. North Dakota* | Buy now |
| Sat., Oct. 12 | at Southern Illinois* | Buy now |
| Sat., Oct. 19 | vs. South Dakota State* | Buy now |
| Sat., Oct. 26 | at Murray State* | Buy now |
| Sat., Nov. 2 | vs. Northern Iowa* | Buy now |
| Sat., Nov. 9 | OFF | |
| Sat., Nov. 16 | vs. Missouri State* | Buy now |
| Sat., Nov. 23 | at South Dakota* | Buy now |
| Sat., Nov. 30 | OFF |
*Missouri Valley Conference game
North Dakota State football history
North Dakota State is one of the most decorated programs in all of FCS.
The Bison emerged as a Division II superpower in the 1960s. Darrell Mudra inherited a winless team in 1963. Within two seasons, they had claimed a national title for themselves.
North Dakota State has 17 national championships between Division II and FCS to its name and sports a 47-5 record in the FCS playoffs. It has propelled a series of future NFL talents to prominence, including Carson Wentz, Trey Lance, Cody Mauch and Christian Watson.
Under the tutelage of former coach Entz, the Bison hoisted national championship trophies on two separate occasions — and that could very well have been three if not for the COVID-19 pandemic.
While North Dakota State has lagged behind rivals South Dakota State in recent years, Wisniewski, Zabel, Miller, and Payton are among the Bison standouts hoping to bring NDSU back to the upper echelons of FCS competition in 2024.