“The Flagship”: 2026 NDSU FBS Football PRE SEASON

[JBB2]

the reality of scheduling is starting to dawn on ndsu fans. So far the fbs label isnt opening any doors. The CFP will be out of reach with the strength of schedule available to ndsu and many of the affectionately called G6 schools.

NDSU finished with a Sagarin 74 rank. Borrowed glory? Ranking inflated by beating FCS opponents that did get big games

• ISUR Oklahoma

• SIU Purdue,

• YSU Michigan

Etc

NDSU was a good FCS football team. Will it work in a league that doesn’t borrow glory but earns it? The MWC fans aren’t too worried. They see a lot of FCS schools. Now they have one in their midst.

CFP? SOS will probably be the key.

[JBB2]

Spring roster is out. Our first position review looks at the rushing game. Lots of inexperience. 4 new backfield players. At RB I’m expecting Scott & LeGrant to lead the way. Apparent starter QB Nathan Hayes appears to be a real rushing threat, avg/carry 12.6 yds.


BISON RUSHING GAME

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Final 2025
Attempts 533
Total Yds 2,764, 43 TDs

Extrapolating the 2026 rushing yds/attempt for 533 attempts we see a potential 2,857 rushing yards & 28 TDs. Better yardage than last season seems unlikely. All statistics may be down in the stronger MWC.

UPDATE:

Addition of the TD extrapolation is worry some. Without improvement the outlook is grim. Of course these guys didn’t get the chances so fingers are crossed.

[JBB2]

Overall I count 13 new names. OL got 3. CB, DE, LB, &TE got 2. RB & P got 1. SR Johnathan Harvey a little used running back is also on the spring roster.

103 is my spring roster count. I had thought 105 was the target. There may still be a couple adds.

[JBB2]

QB position is highlighted by inexperience. 45 passing attempts. Lots of unknowns. Big step up in competition. Nathan Hayes has been a backup behind NFL quality starters. The backups he worked with are stepping into starting roles too. In a lot of ways, although untested, it’s already his team. I’m a Bison fan and I’m optimistic .

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2025 passing yards 3,104
20 TDs
69.3 % Completion 187/270, 5 ints, 20 TDs

OUTLOOK; Positive
Extrapolating 2025 statistics 2026 promises 2,310 yds & 24 TDs.

[JBB2]

2026 POJECTED SCORING ANALYSIS:

• 2025 POINTS FOR: 534, 41 pts/game

• 2026 PROJECTED : 312, 26 pts/game*.

• MWC Avg pts/game 26

The yardage potential is there. The scoring potential lacking. This may be a subtle sign not to get too optimistic. It could be a season of close games.

*Bison Forum Editors Update: downgrade to 26 pts/ game potential from 35

[JBB2]

2026 NDSU RECEIVING CORPS
Lots of inexperience

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2025 RECEIVING STATISTICS
Number of Catches 187
Total Yards 3,104
TDS 20

Extrapolating from 2025 statistics if this group can get 187 catches In 2026 expect
Number of Catches 187
Total Yards 3,183
TDS 13

The QBs have a potential 24 TD strikes. These are the go to receivers this season. Hopefully they catch all 24.

DJ Scott is the contributing running back.

OUTLOOK POSITIVE
Capable but very small group of proven receivers

[kevin]

Odds of Williams transferring?

[JBB2]

Hope he stays. He is the only starter left from a decimated, top-notch WR group. He has the most catches too.

This seems to be a very thin roster. It’s definitely a reload year that could see The Herd struggle against new, stronger competition.

Same for the O-line. Experienced with 1 Senior.

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Returning
1 returning center. Lots of experience, no reported starts or backup
2 starting guards with 2 strong backups
1 starting tackle, 2 strong backups
1 OL with Solid experience

[JBB2]

There is a solid core of talent surrounded by a lot of unproven ability.

WR lost a lot. A SR QB with ability has been backing up QBs now in the NFL.

The running backs have been role players.

The offensive line has a strong starting group but inexperience around them too.

like a lot of college teams each year brings its challenges and questions. NDSU seeme to have more than usual.

[JBB2]

On this beautiful Easter afternoon this popped up

It’s true, they are afraid of the Bison.

https://youtu.be/xghaUCiveP8?si=SlhZl7Sw8f2H1NrLb

Short summary (human document scan):

The key is the O line. In the past the most successful FCS move-ups arrived with a top notch O line. NDSU has one. In fact NDSU is heralded as historically coaching-up top O lines.

Also, a Shout out to the Architect of NDSUs D1/FCS Assention: Head Coach Craig Bohl