“The Flagship”: 2026 NDSU FBS Football PRE SEASON

[JBB2]

Like Hayes the WRs anyway are stepping into starting roles. Sure seems like a natural rotation.

Athlon Sports just ranked MWC QBs. Hayes is #6

6. Nathan Hayes, North Dakota State

Hayes is a first-time starter, but considering the track record of success in North Dakota State’s offense and in developing quarterbacks, optimism is high for the senior to deliver a solid year. The Illinois native played in 15 games over the last two seasons and completed 37 of 63 throws for 595 yards and seven scores to just one pick. Also, Hayes flashed good mobility with 178 yards and two rushing touchdowns. If the senior turns a successful small sample size into a full season of solid production, he could rank among the Mountain West’s top signal-callers.

https://athlonsports.com/college-footba ... kings-2026

His comment about small sample sizes looking good if it can be sustained over the season is true for the WRs too.

[JBB2]

A fitting way to wrap up the pre-season. A look at what could be the top ten moments in the Bison Lore:

https://youtu.be/6o3tI2dcZ1A?si=L8f9y5vZmj3IB6SH

[kevin]

Hayes has a good shot at an extra year of eligibility if he wants it right?

I know nothing about the qb’s behind him.

[JBB2]

I don’t know about his eligibility. He is 5th year. backups are inexperienced. I watched this Hot Mic a few days ago. He talks about his role and his experience as the back-up and how that has changed. His biggest concern is handling the situations a back-up never sees

https://youtu.be/hGzc0goK8JQ?si=InL7APOtkKltQCTR

[User1]

This is part of the reason our QBs have excelled. Our lopsided victories provided 2s and 3s much more playing time than the traditional 'garbage time' that typical backups see. I don't see that luxury continuing and our future starters may struggle more because of it.

[JBB2]

I feel the same way user1, but still have a small notion there won’t be much change. The teams and competition should be at a higher level, promising closer games. Other signs point to NDSU taking charge

Looking at Sagarin today

• the MWC avg predictive score 60.16

• NDSU 74.16

• UNLV, New Mexico and Hawaii are within 4

• The rest of the league 10-16 pt below NDSU

I know it’s unlikely but GAM formulas indicate an undefeated season. Lots of travel not baked into history yet. Talent level questions. Also the big question: is FCS comparable to FBS

[kevin]

I asked a bro in the know he seems to think they get Hayes a sixth year but didn’t elaborate on why. Was he injured one year?

[JBB2]

Hey Kevin, I looked at his bio on gobison.com. Maybe it has something to with these years? No injury was reported

2023 SEASON (FRESHMAN): No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart...Played in three games...Did not have any rushing or passing attempts...Named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference Honor Roll.

2022 SEASON (REDSHIRT): Member of the Bison football team, but did not participate in any games...Named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference Honor Roll.

After the 2023 season he had 24, 25 & now 26.

There is a new 5 year rule too. Don’t know how that affects it.

[JBB2]

A bro of mine e cleared it up for me

Hayes is under the 4 of 5 rule. The new 5 year rule starts next year.

He enrolled under scholarship and joined the team in 22. The 5 years run through 27. He wasn’t active in 22 or 23. He has only been active 24, 25 and now 26. That leaves 27 to fulfill the 4 of 5.

I would say bro, your suspicions are correct. He has another year.